A nurse is preparing to set up a sterile field to change a sterile dressing on a client’s abdominal wound. Identify the sequence of steps the nurse should take. (Placethem in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)
A.
Open the innermost lower flap of the sterile kit while standing away from the sterile field.
B.
Open each side flap of the sterile kit individually while pulling to the side.
C.
Open the outside cover of the sterile kit and remove the dust cover.
D.
Grasp the outermost flap of the sterile kit while opening away from the body.
E.
Prepare a dry work surface above the waist level.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct sequence for setting up a sterile field to change a sterile dressing on a client’s abdominal wound is as follows:
- Prepare a dry work surface above the waist level. (E)
- Open the outside cover of the sterile kit and remove the dust cover. (C)
- Grasp the outermost flap of the sterile kit while opening away from the body. (D)
- Open each side flap of the sterile kit individually while pulling to the side. (B)
- Open the innermost lower flap of the sterile kit while standing away from the sterile field. (A)
Explanation:
- Prepare a dry work surface above the waist level. (E)
Before beginning any sterile procedure, it is essential to prepare a clean and dry work surface. The surface should be above waist level to avoid contamination and to ensure that the sterile field remains uncontaminated. - Open the outside cover of the sterile kit and remove the dust cover. (C)
After preparing the work surface, the nurse should open the outer cover of the sterile kit. This step involves removing the dust cover, which is typically not sterile, to expose the sterile kit inside. - Grasp the outermost flap of the sterile kit while opening away from the body. (D)
Next, the nurse should grasp the outermost flap of the sterile kit and open it away from the body. This technique ensures that the sterile field within the kit is not contaminated by the nurse’s clothing or body. - Open each side flap of the sterile kit individually while pulling to the side. (B)
The nurse then opens each of the side flaps of the sterile kit individually. Pulling these flaps to the side prevents any contamination of the sterile field from the environment and maintains the integrity of the sterile area. - Open the innermost lower flap of the sterile kit while standing away from the sterile field. (A)
Finally, the innermost lower flap is opened while standing away from the sterile field. This step is performed last to maintain the sterility of the field and to ensure that nothing from outside the sterile field comes into contact with the sterile items.
Following this sequence ensures that the sterile field is properly set up and remains uncontaminated, which is crucial for the success of the sterile dressing change.