Applying surgical dressings involves several critical steps:
1. Hand Hygiene: Always begin with thorough hand washing. 2. Preparation: Gather all necessary supplies, including gloves, dressings, and wound cleansing solutions. 3. Cleansing the Wound: Clean the wound with an appropriate solution to remove any debris or exudate. 4. Application: Apply the selected dressing carefully, ensuring it covers the entire wound area. Secure it with tape or a secondary dressing if necessary. 5. Documentation: Record the type of dressing used, the condition of the wound, and any observations.