Equipment and Supplies

Procedure

Before and during the procedure:

• Identify the patient, wash your hands, and explain the procedure.
• Check tetanus booster and allergy history.
• Check for signed consent, patient understanding, and health concerns.
• Position the patient and put on PPE and nonsterile gloves.
• Apply antiseptic soap with a 4" × 4" gauze pad in an outward circular motion.
• Using a razor and holding the skin taut, shave the operative area following the hair growth pattern.
• Scrub the shaved area with antiseptic soap in an outward circular motion for 2 to 5 minutes.
• Rinse the shaved area with sterile water and dry with a sterile 4" × 4" gauze sponge.
• Wash your hands.
• Using sterile transfer forceps, remove the sterile towel and place it under the operative site.
• Cover the operative site with the sterile towel, instructing the patient not to touch the site.
• Pour Betadine into a sterile bowl.
• Using sterile technique, paint the operative site with Betadine.
• Let the site dry, and drape the patient with sterile drapes.
• Assist the physician as directed with anesthesia administration.
• The physician will incise the abscess and insert Iodoform gauze or a Penrose drain into the wound.
• Provide support and comfort the patient as needed.

After the procedure:

• Apply sterile gloves.
• Clean the area around the wound.
• Dress and bandage the wound as directed.
• Dispose of all items per OSHA guidelines.
• Remove gloves and wash your hands.
• Check the patient’s vital signs.
• Explain wound care to the patient or caregiver.
• Provide written postoperative instructions.
• Answer questions and make a follow-up appointment as necessary.
• Document the procedure.