Dressing of a Simple Wound (Without Assistant)

Procedure

1. Check the wound care plan and when the dressing was last changed.
2. Explain to the patient and offer analgesia 20–30 minutes beforehand if the wound is painful.
3. Clean the trolley top to bottom and gather the dressing pack, cleaning solution and new dressing.
4. Wash hands, don an apron and open the pack without touching the inner surface.
5. Loosen the old dressing, remove with clean gloves and dispose of it immediately.
6. Wash hands again and don sterile gloves.
7. Assess the wound: size, bed appearance, exudate, odour and surrounding skin.
8. Clean from the cleanest area outward, using each swab once only.
9. Apply the new dressing and secure without restricting circulation.
10. Dispose of waste correctly, remove gloves, wash hands.
11. Document wound appearance and the date of the next change.