You are asked to change the dressings daily and document the drainage. What precautions will you take to prevent this patient from obtaining a nosocomial infection?

Hand hygiene is essential to prevent nosocomial infections from spreading when dressings are changed and drainage is documented. It is important to wash your hands with antibacterial soap and wear gloves before and after any interaction with a patient, or with equipment that will be used for their care. All surfaces which will come in contact with a wound must be cleaned using a hospital grade cleaner. If possible, disposable gowns can be used to provide care while the patient is being treated. This will reduce the risk of spreading germs. When removing bandages or dressings, it is important to use the correct disposal technique. To ensure that contamination does not occur on the skin, or clothing when removing these items, it is important to wear gloves.
Finaly, it is important to use sterile dressing materials when changing dressings. For example, clean bandages should never touch previously covered areas that are contaminated. Instead, new dressings must be used each time you change the dressing. The documentation of drainage may also assist healthcare professionals to identify potential infection signs early, before major complications arise. By following these simple precautionary steps then a nosocomial infection can hopefully avoided during daily dressing changes and documentation processes for the patient’s safety and wellbeing.