Dressing a surgical wound three days after surgery
RCSI OSCE practice station
Aseptic technique · 1 min to read · 10 min to perform
Prepare and carry out the dressing using aseptic non-touch technique, saying aloud what you are doing and why.
Ms Aisling ByrneI'm a bit nervous about this. Is it going to hurt?
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You are the nurse on a surgical ward. Ms Aisling Byrne, aged 45, had open abdominal surgery three days ago and her wound dressing is due to be changed. A healthcare assistant is available. Introduce yourself, confirm her identity and ask about pain. Prepare and carry out the dressing using aseptic non-touch technique, saying aloud what you are doing and why. Assess the wound, decide whether anything needs to be reported, give her wound care advice and record the care.
What this station tests
- Ask about allergies, including latex and adhesives, before the dressing.
- Aseptic non-touch technique: protect key parts and key sites.
- Give pain relief before the dressing.
- Assess the wound and surrounding skin and report any signs of infection.
- Document the dressing used and advice given.
Sources for the clinical content
- Association for Safe Aseptic Practice: ANTT
- HSE: National Wound Management Guidelines 2018
- NMBI: Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics
- RCSI: overseas aptitude test preparation (public topic list)
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.