In performing a dressing change, which sequence reflects clean technique?

• A. Wash hands; remove old dressing from least contaminated area first; apply new dressing per policy.
• B. Remove old dressing from most contaminated area first; wash hands; apply new dressing.
• C. Wash hands; apply clean gloves; remove old dressing from most contaminated area first; apply new dressing per policy.
• D. Wash hands; remove old dressing from least contaminated area first; apply new dressing per policy after skipping gloves.

Answer: (A)

Clean technique for a dressing change centers on preventing infection by minimizing contamination as you handle materials. The proper sequence starts with hand hygiene, then removing the old dressing from the least contaminated area first and working toward the wound, so you don’t drag contaminants into clean skin. After removing the old dressing, you apply the new dressing according to the facility’s policy. Wearing gloves is important when the policy requires it, but the order of steps shown matters most for keeping the dressing change clean and reducing the risk of contamination. The sequence that follows this order—wash hands, remove the old dressing from the least contaminated area first, then apply the new dressing per policy—best reflects clean technique.