Final answer:
Post-operative wound care indeed includes changing the dressing. This practice is crucial for protecting against infection and promoting optimal healing, especially in cases where infection is suspected, as indicated by symptoms of increased redness, swelling, and pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Post-op wound care includes dressing changes. True or False? The answer is True. Post-operative care for a wound typically involves changing the dressing to help protect the wound from infection and to aid the healing process. It is essential to watch for symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, and pain, which may indicate an infection. A purulent wound, one with pus indicating a bacterial infection, may require cultures, antibiotic treatment, and more frequent dressing changes to promote healing via primary union, a condition where the wound edges are brought together for faster healing.
For example, in clinical settings, a doctor might instruct a patient to apply a topical antibiotic and change the bandage at least twice daily, especially if the wound exudate is purulent. Following surgery, healthcare providers, including surgeons and nurses, emphasize the importance of proper wound care, including regular dressing changes, to mitigate complications and enhance recovery.