After a surgical incision is closed, a dressing is applied to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRIMARY <\/strong>\u2013 These dressings are placed directly on top of a wound. Their main function is to absorb drainage and keep it away from the edge of the wound.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nSECONDARY<\/strong> \u2013 These dressings provide additional compression. They are placed over the primary dressing and can be used to absorb any leaking fluid.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
(Bak, 2019)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSelecting a Dressing<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
When choosing an appropriate dressing, the perioperative team must consider its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it to absorb drainage? Provide splitting or support? Ensure moisture management. Other considerations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Does the patient have any allergies or sensitivities?<\/li>
- What is the patient\u2019s current skin condition?<\/li>
- How large is the wound? What are the other characteristics of the wound?<\/li>
- How much drainage is anticipated from this wound?<\/li>
- What is the surgeon\u2019s preference?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
ORNAC standards clearly note that radiopaque sponges SHALL NOT be used for postoperative dressings. This is a safety mechanism<\/a> in case the patient needs to come back to the OR, or if imaging needs to be completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(ORNAC, 2021)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAdding Dressing Supplies to the Sterile Field<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Post-operative dressings should not be added to the sterile field until the final count is complete. This is to prevent the risk of a non-radiopaque sponge being retained in the wound. <\/a>With the increased use of sterile custom packs, <\/a>dressings are often included. These dressings must be clearly isolated within the pack and remain isolated until the final count has been finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(ORNAC, 2021)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcc1Documentation Highlight<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The circulating nurse must ensure that the following information is documented related to the dressing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n