Clean from the center outward in a circular motion.-rationale: the nurse should move from the center outward in ever-larger circles when cleaning around a wound drain because the skin near the drain site is more contaminated than the site itself. the nurse should never remove the drain before cleaning the skin. alcohol should never be used to clean around a drain; it may irritate the skin and, because it evaporates, has no lasting effect on bacteria. the nurse should wear sterile gloves to prevent contamination, but need not wear a mask.client needs category: safe, effective care environmentclient needs subcategory: safety and infection controlcognitive level: comprehensionreference: ellis, j.r., and bentz, p.m. modules for basic nursing skills, 7th ed. philadelphia: lippincott williams & wilkins, 2007, p. 159.
