Question

The nurse is assisting a newly licensed nurse change the dressing on an infected abdominal surgical wound. Which action by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention from the experienced nurse?

A. The soiled dressing is removed while wearing clean gloves.
B. A sterile field is set up on an alcohol cleansed bedside surface.
C. The suture line distal to the nurse is cleaned first with a cotton swab.
D. Equipment is placed on a table behind the nurse to avoid contamination.

Answer 1

The action by the newly licensed nurse that requires intervention from the experienced nurse is setting up a sterile field on an alcohol cleansed bedside surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

The action by the newly licensed nurse that requires intervention from the experienced nurse is option B - A sterile field is set up on an alcohol cleansed bedside surface.

When changing the dressing on an infected abdominal surgical wound, it is necessary to set up a sterile field to maintain aseptic technique and prevent contamination. Alcohol cleansed surfaces may not be sufficient to create a sterile field. The sterile field should be prepared using sterilized materials, such as sterile drapes, and strict procedures for washing and application of sterilants. Therefore, the experienced nurse should intervene and guide the newly licensed nurse in setting up a proper sterile field.