dressing change confusion

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My patient's chart said "change dressings PRN". I found no other information. How do I know if I need to do a sterile dressing change or just aseptic? If I can't see under the main pad, how do I know what supplies I'll need to do the job? These are questions our instructors won't answer. We are told, "Good questions", come back to me when you know the answer. I have no idea! That's why I asked. :banghead:

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

I always did a sterile dressing change. With all the bugs all around I wasn't prepared to be the one responsible for passing on anything. If I did a sterile dressing change, I had peace of mind.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

How old is the wound?

Take a peek under the dressing to see what you'll need. Nothing wrong with looking.

How many times has it been changed already?

Nothing wrong with using sterile technique if you're not sure :)

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