# The nurse changes a postoperative abdominal dressing. Which action best reduces the risk of a surgical site infection?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396601&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Ergonomic Principles  
> category: SIPC

## Question

The nurse changes a postoperative abdominal dressing. Which action best reduces the risk of a surgical site infection?

## Option

1. Place the sterile dressing supplies directly on the client's bed linens.
2. Reuse clean gloves after removing the soiled dressing.
3. Clean from the outer wound edge toward the incision line.
4. Perform hand hygiene and maintain aseptic technique during dressing change. **✔ Correct answer**

**Correct answer: 4**

## Explanation

Hand hygiene and aseptic technique are central to preventing contamination during wound care. Soiled gloves should not be reused, and sterile supplies should remain protected. Cleaning generally proceeds from cleaner to dirtier areas according to wound policy.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Surgical wound asepsis.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Surgical wound asepsis, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Surgical Site Infection** — An infection occurring at or near a surgical incision.
- **Aseptic Technique** — Practices that reduce contamination by microorganisms.
- **Dressing Change** — Removal and replacement of wound covering using appropriate technique.

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