Final answer:
The appropriate action is to moisten the dressing with normal saline before application for a wet-to-damp dressing. Antiseptics, not disinfectants or sterilants, are used on living tissues to prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct action when a healthcare provider instructs to use normal saline and apply a wet-to-damp dressing is C) Moisten the dressing with normal saline before application. When a wet-to-damp dressing is ordered, it's essential to use the correct level of moisture to ensure the dressing promotes healing and prevents the wound from drying out or becoming too saturated. Normal saline is isotonic, meaning it has a similar salt concentration to that of body fluids, making it the preferred choice for moistening dressings without disrupting the healing process.
Regarding microbial control to prevent infection, B) antiseptic is suitable for use on living tissues. Antiseptics are substances that stop or slow down the growth of microbes and are safe to apply to skin and wounds. They are crucial in healthcare settings to help prevent infection in wounds and during surgical procedures.