HESI Fundamentals Practice Questions Related

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When replacing a client's surgical dressing, what should the nurse do?

  • A. Don sterile gloves to remove the old dressing
  • B. Wash hands thoroughly before removing the old dressing
  • C. Use sterile gloves to remove the old dressing
  • D. Apply a new dressing before removing the old one
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When replacing a client's surgical dressing, the nurse should use sterile gloves to remove the old dressing. Sterile technique is essential to prevent introducing infection to the wound. Choice A is incorrect because clean gloves are not sufficient; sterile gloves are necessary to maintain asepsis. Choice B, washing hands, is an important step before and after the procedure to maintain hand hygiene, but sterile gloves are required during the dressing change. Choice D is incorrect because a new dressing should only be applied after the old one has been removed to prevent contamination and ensure proper wound care.