During a sterile dressing change, the nurse’s sterile-gloved hand touches the bed rail. What is the best action?

Question

Accepted Answer

B. Replace the contaminated glove and reestablish the sterile field — Touching a nonsterile surface contaminates the glove and breaks sterile technique. Replace contaminated items to prevent infection.

Answer

A. Continue the dressing change because only the fingertips touched

Answer

C. Clean the glove with alcohol and continue

Answer

D. Ask a UAP to finish the sterile procedure