🩹 WOUND DRESSING PROCEDURE

1. Definition

• Wound dressing is a sterile procedure of cleaning and covering a wound to

• promote healing and prevent infection.

2. Purpose

• To promote wound healing

• To prevent infection

• To absorb discharge/exudate

• To protect wound from injury and contamination

3. Indications

• Open wounds

• Surgical wounds

• Infected wounds

• Burns, ulcers, cuts

4. Contraindications

⚠️ No absolute contraindication, but:

• Avoid unnecessary frequent dressing

• Use caution in heavily bleeding wounds (require emergency care)

5. Articles / Equipment

🧰 Equipment:

• Sterile dressing tray

• Forceps (cheatle forceps, dissecting forceps)

• Kidney tray

🧴 Supplies:

• Sterile gauze pieces

• Cotton swabs

• Antiseptic solution (e.g., povidone iodine)

• Normal saline

• Adhesive tape / bandage

• Gloves (sterile and clean)

📋 Records:

• Patient record sheet

6. Patient Preparation

• Explain procedure to patient

• Provide privacy

• Position patient comfortably

• Expose only the wound area

7. Procedure Steps (Step-by-Step Sentences)

1. Wash hands thoroughly and prepare all required articles.

2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ensure comfort.

3. Position the patient properly and expose the wound area.

4. Place mackintosh and towel under the wound site.

5. Open the sterile dressing tray using aseptic technique.

6. Wear sterile gloves.

7. Remove the old dressing carefully using forceps.

8. Observe the wound for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge.

9. Discard the soiled dressing into the kidney tray.

10. Clean the wound using sterile swabs soaked in normal saline.

11. Clean from clean area to dirty area (center to periphery).

12. Use each swab only once and discard it properly.

13. Apply antiseptic solution if prescribed.

14. Allow the wound to dry.

15. Place sterile gauze over the wound.

16. Secure the dressing with adhesive tape or bandage.

17. Make the patient comfortable.

18. Dispose of waste as per biomedical waste guidelines.

19. Remove gloves and wash hands.

20. Document the procedure and findings.

8. Post Procedure Care

• Check for comfort and pain relief

• Monitor for bleeding or infection

• Advise patient not to disturb dressing

• Schedule next dressing

9. Complications

• Infection

• Delayed wound healing

• Bleeding

• Pain

10. Health Education

• Keep dressing clean and dry

• Do not touch wound with unclean hands

• Follow proper hygiene

• Report signs of infection:

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Pus

  • Fever

🎯 Viva Questions

Q1. In which direction is wound cleaned?👉 From clean to dirty (center to periphery)

Q2. Why is aseptic technique important?👉 To prevent infection

Q3. What is the purpose of dressing?👉 To promote healing and prevent infection