dressing changes

[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, RN]

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]

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, LPN]

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.