Wound assessment and aseptic dressing change
NMC OSCE practice station
Aseptic technique · 1 min to read · 12 min to perform
Assess the wound and change the dressing using aseptic non-touch technique, explaining each step to her.
Pauline HughesIs it time for the dressing change? It feels a bit sore today.
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You are the nurse on a surgical ward. Pauline Hughes, aged 66, had abdominal surgery five days ago and her wound dressing is due to be changed. A wound care plan is in the patient folder. Assess the wound and change the dressing using aseptic non-touch technique, explaining each step to her. Say aloud and show what you do, including what you are looking for in the wound and why. Complete the wound record.
What this station tests
- Assess the wound systematically and compare it with the previous record, not just the dressing.
- Protect key parts and key sites throughout; hand hygiene at the right moments is the heart of aseptic non-touch technique.
- Ask about tape and dressing sensitivities before choosing the dressing.
- Know the signs of wound infection: spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus, smell, pain and fever.
- Record the findings, the dressing used and when it will be reviewed.
Sources for the clinical content
- Association for Safe Aseptic Practice: ANTT Practice Framework
- WHO: Hand hygiene in health care
- NICE NG125: Surgical site infections: prevention and treatment
- NMC: The Code
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.