In the PDA framework, which professional is allowed to perform sterile wound dressing changes under specific protocols?

• A. Surgeon.
• B. Medical student.
• C. Unlicensed assistive personnel only.
• D. The nurse (RN) under facility protocols; LPN may assist under supervision, depending on policy.

Answer: (D)

This item tests scope of practice and delegation for wound care. Sterile wound dressing changes require maintaining asepsis, assessing the wound for signs of infection, and following established protocols. A registered nurse has the licensure and training to perform these sterile changes independently and to oversee others according to facility policies. An LPN may assist under supervision, depending on the institution’s rules, which aligns with safe delegation under the PDA framework. Unlicensed assistive personnel typically do not perform sterile wound dressing changes independently because they lack the licensure and required training for aseptic technique, though they can help with non-sterile tasks or under direct supervision. Surgeons and medical students are not the usual providers for routine wound care; the task is managed by the nurse under protocols to safeguard patient safety and infection control.