Final answer:
Sterile dressings are used for open wounds to prevent infection, while nonsterile dressings are for closed wounds with less chance of infection. It is vital to monitor for redness, swelling, and pain after treating a wound, as they can indicate a worsening infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sterile dressings are used to cover new, or open wounds to prevent infection and aid in the healing process. It is typically a healthcare professional, such as a nurse, who changes sterile dressings to maintain the sterility and integrity of the wound environment. On the other hand, nonsterile dressings may be applied to dry, closed wounds that have less chance of infection. These can often be changed by the patient or a care provider with clean techniques.
A medical item that comes into contact with intact skin and does not penetrate sterile tissues or come into contact with mucous membranes is called a non-critical item.
The types of medical items that require sterilization are those that come into contact with sterile tissues, such as surgical instruments and items used in invasive procedures. This is essential to prevent infections.
After observing that Sam's wound is purulent, which indicates a bacterial infection, his doctor prescribes an antibiotic ointment and instructs him to keep the wound clean and apply a new bandage with the ointment at least twice per day. Watching for increased redness, swelling, and pain is important because these symptoms can be signs of worsening infection or other complications that may require medical attention.