dressing changes

Jun 21, 2009 10:58 AM

by 75au78

if surgeons don't leave specific dressing change orders for their incisions, then what is the consensus on cleansing and dressing simple incisions such as a hip or knee incision w/staples. ns/gauze?
also, when is it usually okay to allow the patient to shower after surgery, if they still have their staples/sutures, but are no longer draining?
thanks

Ayvah · Jun 21, 2009, 11:00 PM

Re: dressing changes

Surgeons are usually extremely picky about their dressings. Some don't want it touched until they do the first dressing change. Some want it cleaned with ns/gauze, others want it cleaned and then an ointment placed, some want 1/2 strength hydrogen peroxide used to clean it. I'd absolutely call the surgeon to clarify dressing order and when a patient can shower.

*MedSurgeMess* · Jun 23, 2009, 06:23 PM

Re: dressing changes

Absolutely. I've never heard of a surgeon who wasn't picky about dressing changes...........Call for an order. It'll save your hiney every time!

MedSurgLPN2005 · Aug 06, 2009, 07:36 AM

Re: dressing changes

Well first of all NEVER EVER touch the surgical dressing! The surgeon wants that to stay on a few days because its the sterile surgical dressing and once it comes off the incision is contaminated. However, if it leaks through, a lot of surgeons consider it contaminated since its wet. So you should call or wait til they make rounds for an order to change it.

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dressing changes

dressing changes

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