Common Clinical Procedures

Clinical procedures are systematic, evidence-based actions performed by the practical nurse to assess, monitor, or treat patients. Proficiency in procedural skills requires understanding of underlying anatomy and physiology, strict adherence to infection prevention principles, patient preparation and education, and accurate documentation. Aseptic technique is the foundation of safe procedural practice and includes two levels: surgical (sterile) asepsis -- the elimination of ALL microorganisms from an area, used for invasive procedures that penetrate sterile body cavities (wound care involving deep tissue, catheterization, surgical procedures) -- and medical asepsis (clean technique) -- the reduction of microorganisms to prevent their spread, used for most routine care activities. The principles of surgical asepsis include: a sterile field is created and maintained by sterile items only; sterile items touched by unsterile items become contaminated; sterile items out of vision or below waist level are considered contaminated; sterile fields become contaminated by prolonged exposure to air, moisture, or airborne particles; edges of sterile packages and containers are considered contaminated. Common procedures within practical nursing scope include vital signs measurement, venipuncture and IV cannulation, urinary catheterization, wound...