Which is an important consideration for the nurse when changing dressings and applying topical medication to a child's abdomen and leg burns?

A) Apply topical medication with clean hands.
B) Wash hands and forearms before and after dressing change.
C) If dressings adhere to the wound, soak in hot water before removal.
D) Apply dressing so that movement is limited during the healing process.

Frequent hand and forearm washing is the single most important element of the infection-control program. Topical medications should be applied with a tongue blade or gloved hand. Dressings that have adhered to the wound can be removed with tepid water or normal saline. Dressings are applied with sufficient tension to remain in place but not so tightly as to impair circulation or limit motion.