Question

1. Give at least 3 purposes for dressings of all types?

2. What is the specific purpose of a wet-to-dry dressing?
3. While removing the old dressing, what should you do if the
dressing is stuck to the

Answer 1

Dressings are used to protect wounds, absorb drainage, and maintain a moist healing environment. A wet-to-dry dressing is specifically used for debriding a wound. If a dressing sticks to the wound, it should be moistened before removal to prevent damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

Purposes of Dressings

Dressings serve several purposes in wound care, including:

• Protecting the wound from further injury and infection.
• Absorbing excess wound drainage and debris.
• Maintaining a moist environment to promote healing.

Specific Purpose of Wet-to-Dry Dressings

The specific purpose of a wet-to-dry dressing is to debride a wound, meaning it helps to remove dead tissue from the wound bed. When the dressing is moistened and applied to the wound, it adheres to the dead tissue. As the dressing dries, it pulls away this tissue when the dressing is removed, aiding in the wound cleaning process.

Removal of a Dressing Stuck to the Wound

If a dressing is stuck to the wound, you should moisten it with saline or water to loosen it, minimizing trauma and discomfort to the patient during removal. Never forcefully remove a stuck dressing as this can cause damage to the healing tissue.