What is the first step a nurse should take when obtaining a sterile wound culture?

The first step in the process of obtaining a sterile wound culture involves gathering necessary supplies and donning nonsterile gloves. This initial action is essential for several reasons. First, it ensures that the nurse is prepared for the procedure by having all the required materials at hand, including culturette tubes, swabs, and sterile solutions. Second, while nonsterile gloves are used initially, they can protect the nurse’s hands and minimize the risk of transferring pathogens from the hands to the wound site.

Understanding the importance of a sterile technique comes into play as the nurse proceeds to perform the sterile procedure. After donning gloves and gathering supplies, the nurse would then need to prepare the wound properly, such as through irrigation, to clear any debris or exudate before obtaining the culture. This sequence is critical to reduce contamination and ensure that the specimen collected genuinely represents the microbes present in the wound.