What are the steps for an appropriate exit-site dressing change?

What are the steps for an appropriate exit-site dressing change?

• A. Wash hands, remove old dressing, inspect the exit site, clean with antiseptic, dry, and apply a new sterile or clean dressing per protocol.
• B. Remove old dressing, start dialysis, and wash hands after.
• C. Inspect the exit site, apply ointment, and cover with tape.
• D. Wash hands, apply cream, and leave dressing on until next clinic visit.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to keep the exit site clean, dry, and free from contamination while checking for any signs of infection. Start with hand hygiene to prevent introducing bacteria. Then remove the old dressing carefully, inspect the exit site for redness, swelling, drainage, or pain, clean the area with the antiseptic solution your protocol specifies, dry it completely, and finally apply a new sterile or clean dressing per protocol. This sequence minimizes infection risk and helps you catch early signs of trouble. Other options miss important steps or include actions that aren’t part of a proper dressing change—for example, starting dialysis during the dressing change, or skipping antiseptic cleaning and drying, or leaving the old dressing in place without inspection.

The key idea is to keep the exit site clean, dry, and free from contamination while checking for any signs of infection. Start with hand hygiene to prevent introducing bacteria. Then remove the old dressing carefully, inspect the exit site for redness, swelling, drainage, or pain, clean the area with the antiseptic solution your protocol specifies, dry it completely, and finally apply a new sterile or clean dressing per protocol. This sequence minimizes infection risk and helps you catch early signs of trouble.

Other options miss important steps or include actions that aren’t part of a proper dressing change—for example, starting dialysis during the dressing change, or skipping antiseptic cleaning and drying, or leaving the old dressing in place without inspection.