Before removing the dressing and addressing a pressure ulcer, which step should be performed first?

• A. Determine if the patient has allergies to topical agents
• B. Determine if the patient needs pain medication
• C. Position the patient for access to dressing removal
• D. Remove the dressing and place it in a plastic bag

Answer: (A)

Safety comes first: verify any allergies to topical agents before touching or removing the dressing. Knowing if the patient has sensitivities to adhesives, cleansers, antiseptics, or topical medications helps you choose safe products and avoid an allergic reaction during the dressing change. If an allergy is present, you can switch to nonallergenic materials or alternative methods, protecting the skin and the wound from harm. Once this safety check is done, you can address other steps like pain management and positioning, and then proceed with removing the dressing and disposing of it properly.