What is the correct sequence for performing a sterile wound dressing change?

• A. Use sterile technique, cleanse from clean to dirty, don sterile gloves, apply the dressing without touching sterile area
• B. Use sterile technique, cleanse from clean to dirty, apply the dressing without touching sterile area, don sterile gloves
• C. Use clean technique, cleanse from dirty to clean, don sterile gloves, apply the dressing
• D. Use sterile technique, cleanse from clean to dirty, do not touch sterile area

Answer: (A)

Maintaining asepsis throughout a sterile wound dressing change is the key idea. Start with sterile technique to create and preserve a sterile field. Cleaning should proceed from clean to dirty, starting near the wound and moving outward, using new swabs for each stroke to prevent dragging contaminants into the wound. After cleansing, don sterile gloves so you can handle the dressing without compromising sterility. Then apply the dressing while avoiding contact with the sterile area, keeping the dressing and wound free from contamination. This sequence best preserves sterility and reduces infection risk. Options that skip donning sterile gloves, use clean technique, or cleanse in the reverse direction would introduce contamination and are not appropriate.