SURGICAL SOAK – Purpose, Preliminary Assessment, Preparation of the Patient, Equipment, Solutions Used and Procedure

SURGICAL SOAK – Purpose, Preliminary Assessment, Preparation of the Patient, Equipment, Solutions Used and Procedure

Updated 2024

Surgical
soak is the submerging or directly immersing a body part or wound in a
therapeutic solution using sterile technique

Surgical
soak is the local bath of the part of the body such as arm or foot. When there
is an open wound moist heat is applied by soaking or immersing the part in
sterile warm solution

PURPOSE

To promote wound healing by increased
circulation
To relieve discomfort and pain
To relieve congestion and crust
formation
To reduce edema
To aid cleaning of slough from wounds
To apply medication to locally
infected area
To make manipulation of painful area
easier
As preparation for surgery, for
example, diabetic ulcer foot for skin grafting

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Check the general condition of the
patient
Check the physician’s order
Maintain the desired position
Provide privacy to the patient
Check the articles available in the
patient’s unit

PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT

Explain the procedure to the patient
The dressing change is scheduled for
a suitable time
If the patient is in an open unit the
curtains are drawn to ensure privacy
To incisions should not be referred
to as a scar because, for some patients, the term has negative connotations

EQUIPMENT

Sterile basin or bucket
Boiled water
Lotion thermometer
Normal saline
Small Mackintosh
Unsterile K-basin
Duster
Sterile pint measure
A bowl with cotton balls
Gauze piece, cotton pads
Gloves, gown mask
Sponge holding forceps

SOLUTIONS USED

Water (105 -110 degree F or 40-45
degree celcius)
Concentrated normal saline
Potassium permanganate (till turns
pink color)
Dakin’s (Na hypochlorite) solution.
Duration: 15-20 minutes

PROCEDURE

Remove outer dressing as in surgical
dressing
Wash hands
Check temperature of the water
Open sterile basin and pour water
into sterile basin
Add prescribed medication with
sterile pint measure
Keep basin on small Mackintosh
Open dressing pack and remove
adherent dressing
Ask patient to immerse part into
basin after checking patient’s tolerance
Instruct to soak area for 15-20
minutes
Remove basin and drape wound with
sterile cover
Do dressing
Record time, type, amount and
temperature of solution, duration of wound, drainage or exudates, conditions
and cooperation of patient
Replace the articles

NURSING PROCEDURES LIST CLICK HERE

KEY POINTS TO SURGICAL SOAK PROCEDURE

However, here are some general key points that might apply to such procedures:

Aseptic Technique: Maintaining aseptic or sterile conditions is crucial during any surgical procedure. This includes the use of sterile solutions for soaking or irrigating to minimize the risk of infection.
Choice of Solution: The choice of solution for soaking or irrigating depends on the nature of the surgery and the body part involved. Common solutions include saline, antiseptic solutions, or specialized irrigation solutions.
Temperature Considerations: Ensure that the solution used for soaking or irrigating is at an appropriate temperature. Extreme temperatures can be harmful to tissues, so solutions are typically warmed to body temperature.
Proper Irrigation Technique: The technique used for irrigation is important. It should be gentle yet effective in removing debris or contaminants. The surgeon or medical professional performing the procedure needs to be skilled in proper irrigation techniques.
Monitoring Fluid Absorption: In some cases, especially in procedures involving body cavities, it’s important to monitor the volume of fluid used for irrigation to prevent complications such as fluid overload.
Postoperative Care: After the procedure, postoperative care includes monitoring for any signs of infection, proper wound care, and ensuring that the patient is recovering well.