Wound dressing change after hernia surgery
NZ nursing OSCE practice station
Aseptic technique · 2 min to read · 8 min to perform
Prepare for and carry out the dressing change using an aseptic non-touch technique.
Barry OgilvieMorning. Is it time to look at my stitches? I haven't dared look.
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You are the nurse on a surgical ward. Barry Ogilvie, aged 66, had an open incisional hernia repair three days ago. The surgical team has ordered a dressing change today. A health care assistant is available. Prepare for and carry out the dressing change using an aseptic non-touch technique. Say aloud what you are doing and why. Introduce yourself, check identity and allergies, assess the wound, choose a suitable dressing and explain the care to Mr Ogilvie as you go. Say how you will document the dressing change.
What this station tests
- Check allergies, including to adhesives, before choosing a dressing.
- Hand hygiene before and after, and between dirty and clean steps, is essential.
- Protect key parts and the clean field; change gloves between dirty and clean steps.
- Describe the wound and the surrounding skin in your documentation.
- Teach what to report: redness, heat, pain, discharge or fever.
Sources for the clinical content
- Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) clinical practice framework
- World Health Organization: hand hygiene
- World Health Organization guidelines on hand hygiene in health care
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.