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

• A. Don sterile gloves, set up a sterile field, remove old dressing without touching the wound, cleanse as ordered, apply new sterile dressing and secure.
• B. Remove dressing with bare hands and reuse.
• C. Use non-sterile gloves for the entire process.
• D. Touch the wound with bare skin while cleaning.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is keeping the wound and the supplies sterile from start to finish to prevent infection. Begin by performing hand hygiene, arranging all supplies on a clean, dry surface, and then don sterile gloves to create a sterile barrier. Next, remove the old dressing without touching the wound so you don’t contaminate the wound bed. Cleanse the area as ordered, using sterile technique and following any policy-recommended direction (usually from clean to dirty). After the area is clean, apply a new sterile dressing with the sterile gloves still in place and secure it properly. Finally, dispose of the used materials in the correct container and perform hand hygiene. Using bare hands or non-sterile gloves at any point compromises sterility and increases infection risk, which is why the sequence that starts with establishing a sterile field and ends with a secure sterile dressing is essential.