Before applying a sterile dressing, what must you do after removing soiled dressings?

After removing soiled dressings, it is crucial to wash your hands thoroughly and put on sterile gloves before applying a sterile dressing. This practice is guided by principles of infection control and aseptic technique. By washing your hands, you eliminate any potential pathogens that may have been transferred from the soiled dressing, thereby reducing the risk of introducing infection to the wound.

Putting on sterile gloves further ensures that you are maintaining a sterile environment, protecting both the wound and the patient. This sequence is a key part of infection prevention protocols in healthcare settings.

Using antiseptic lotion is not necessary before applying a new dressing, as the gentle technique of washing and gloving is effective for maintaining sterility. Waiting for the incision to dry is also not standard practice; it is more essential to keep the wound clean and covered to promote healing. Lastly, calling a supervisor is typically not required during this procedure unless there are specific concerns that need oversight. Therefore, the focus on proper hand hygiene and the use of sterile gloves is the correct and vital approach in this scenario.