A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse change a client's wound dressing. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse demonstrates an understanding of safe handling techniques?

Choice A Reason:
Gauze is used to clean the wound from the outside to the center. This action does not demonstrate safe handling techniques. Wound cleaning should generally proceed from the least contaminated area to the most contaminated area, which is usually from the center of the wound outward, to avoid introducing microorganisms into the wound.
Choice B Reason:
The soiled dressing is placed on a nearby table. Placing the soiled dressing on a nearby table poses a risk of contamination to the surrounding environment and is not considered a safe practice. Soiled dressings should be properly disposed of in a designated biohazard waste container.
Choice C Reason:
This action demonstrates an understanding of infection control. Clean gloves should be discarded after removing the old dressing to prevent transferring any contaminants to the new dressing or sterile supplies.
Choice D Reason:
Sterile supplies should be opened only after the old dressing has been removed and the wound area has been cleaned.

Choice A Reason:
The time the client received his last dose of pain medication is incorrect. While this information is relevant for ongoing pain management, it may not be as critical for the receiving facility unless there are specific pain management protocols in place that need to be followed.
Choice B Reason:
The client's preferred time for bathing is incorrect. While knowing the client's preferences is important for providing individualized care, the preferred time for bathing may not be immediately pertinent to the client's care upon transfer to the rehabilitation facility.
Choice C Reason:
The steps to follow when providing wound care is correct. This information is essential for the receiving facility to ensure proper wound care continues without interruption. It helps ensure consistency in care and minimizes the risk of complications related to wound healing.
Choice D Reason:
The belief that the client has a difficult relationship with his son is incorrect. While psychosocial information about the client is important for holistic care, it may not be the most crucial information to include in the change-of-shift report for transfer to a rehabilitation facility unless it directly impacts the client's medical care or rehabilitation plan.