What constitutes sterile technique during dressing changes?

• A. Using a clean field with occasional gloves changes.
• B. Hand hygiene is not required for dressing changes.
• C. Maintaining a sterile field and sterile gloves; avoid nonsterile surfaces; aseptic technique.
• D. Sterile technique is optional if the patient’s skin is intact.

Answer: (C)

Sterile technique during dressing changes means protecting the wound from infection by maintaining a sterile field, using sterile gloves, and following aseptic practices throughout the procedure. This involves establishing and keeping a sterile setup, handling dressings and solutions with sterile technique, and avoiding any contact of sterile items with nonsterile surfaces or hands. The goal is to prevent pathogens from entering the wound and causing infection.

The other options don’t meet this standard. A clean field with only occasional glove changes can allow contamination, since any lapse can introduce organisms. Saying hand hygiene isn’t required contradicts fundamental infection control, as hand hygiene is essential before and during any dressing change. Sterile technique isn’t optional even if the skin appears intact, because contamination can occur at any time and a sterile approach provides the best protection against infection.