Question

A nurse is setting up a sterile field to perform a dressing change on a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

1) Wash hands thoroughly before setting up the sterile field
2) Use non-sterile gloves when handling sterile equipment
3) Open sterile packages away from the sterile field
4) Place sterile items on a clean, non-sterile surface

Answer 1

When setting up a sterile field for a dressing change, the nurse should wash their hands, open sterile packages away from the sterile field, and place sterile items on a clean surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

When setting up a sterile field to perform a dressing change on a client, the nurse should:

1. Wash hands thoroughly before setting up the sterile field: Handwashing is essential to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a sterile environment.
2. Open sterile packages away from the sterile field: This prevents any accidental contamination of the sterile equipment.
3. Place sterile items on a clean, non-sterile surface: Sterile items should only be placed on sterile surfaces to maintain their sterility.