A nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform a sterile dressing change on a client who has a central venous catheter. Which of the following actions should the newly licensed nurse take?
A.
Open the top flap of the sterile package towards the body.
B.
Maintain a 1.25 cm (0.5 in) border around the edges of the sterile field.
C.
Pick up the first sterile glove by grasping the folded cuff edge.
D.
Remove soiled dressings using sterile gloves.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. Pick up the first sterile glove by grasping the folded cuff edge.
Explanation:
When performing a sterile dressing change, maintaining sterility is crucial to prevent infections, especially in a client with a central venous catheter (CVC). Each action taken must adhere to the principles of aseptic technique.
Option A: Open the top flap of the sterile package towards the body.
This action is incorrect because when opening a sterile package, the top flap should be opened away from the body. This helps prevent contamination from the nurse’s body or clothing.
Option B: Maintain a 1.25 cm (0.5 in) border around the edges of the sterile field.
While it is important to maintain a sterile field, the guideline is to keep a wider margin (typically about 2.5 cm or 1 inch) around the sterile field. This option is misleading as it does not align with standard practices.
Option C: Pick up the first sterile glove by grasping the folded cuff edge.
This is the correct action. When putting on sterile gloves, the nurse should only touch the inside of the cuff to maintain sterility. This ensures that the outer surface of the glove, which will come into contact with the sterile field and the patient, remains uncontaminated.
Option D: Remove soiled dressings using sterile gloves.
This option is incorrect because, while the gloves worn during the dressing change must be sterile, the removal of soiled dressings typically requires clean gloves. After the old dressing is removed, the nurse would then don sterile gloves for the application of the new dressing.
In summary, understanding and implementing proper sterile techniques is vital in preventing infections, particularly in patients with CVCs, and the correct answer underscores an important aspect of aseptic practice.