Question Of The Day: The Nursing Process

Q. Which of the following should be included in the plan of care for a client with a surgical wound that requires a wet-to-dry dressing?

A. Place a dry dressing in the wound.
B. Use Burrow's solution to wet the dressing.
C. Pack the wet dressing tightly into the wound.
D. Cover the wet packing with a dry sterile dressing.



Correct Answer: D

Reason: A wet-to-dry dressing should be able to dry out between dressing changes. Thus, the dressing should be moist, not dry, when applied. As the moist dressing dries, the wound will be debrided of necrotic tissue, exudate, and so forth. Normal saline is most commonly used to moisten the sponge; Burrow's solution will irritate the wound. The sponge should not be packed into the wound tightly because the circulation to the site could be impaired. The moist sponge should be placed so that all surfaces of the wound are in contact with the dressing. Then the sponge is covered and protected by a dry sterile dressing to prevent contamination from the external environment.