Final answer:
After incision and drainage of an axillary abscess, the wound is typically managed by secondary intention using packing with alginate dressing to promote healing from the inside out and prevent infection recurrence, transitioning to other strategies as necessary based on the wound's healing progress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The wound management after an incision and drainage of an axillary abscess depends on the severity and status of the infection. In general, these wounds are managed by allowing them to heal by secondary intention, which often means they are left open to heal from the inside out. This is because closing the wound primarily could trap bacteria inside, leading to recurrence of the abscess or further complications.
Delayed primary closure may be considered if the wound is clean and there's no risk of ongoing infection after initial drainage and debridement. However, more typically a wound would be packed with alginate dressing or gauze, depending on the amount of exudate and the need for absorption. These dressings help to wick away drainage, support debridement, and promote healing. Skin grafts are usually reserved for large defects that do not heal with standard wound care measures. Furthermore, constant monitoring is crucial to ensure the infection does not return or spread, as noted in the clinical focus sections provided.
In this case, without specific indicators suggesting otherwise, the recommended option would likely be c. packing with alginate dressing, with a transition to other wound management strategies as healing progresses and according to the clinical evaluation of the wound.