Aseptic dressing of an uncomplicated incision
RN OSCE practice station

The task

You are the RN on a hospital ward. Hannah Scott, aged 36, needs a prescribed simple postoperative dressing change to a clean abdominal incision. Assess the wound, demonstrate an aseptic dressing sequence and document the result. Complete the supplied practice record. Speak to the patient and describe each assessment as you perform it. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise.

What this station tests

• A clean-looking dressing is contaminated if its contact surface brushes Hannah’s bed rail.
• Dirty dressing removal and clean wound care are separate hand-hygiene transitions.
• The incision, dressing surface and instrument tips need protection from touch.
• Consent includes Hannah’s ability to pause for pain or privacy.

Sources for the clinical content

• NHMRC: Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare
• ACSQHC: National Hand Hygiene Initiative

An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.

Practise next

• A leg wound that has changed at home
• Contamination during a clinic dressing
• Pressure wound care with consent concerns
• Responding to a needlestick during clinic care
• Protecting the connection during an IV line change