A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has an infected wound with significant exudate.
Which of the following dressings should the nurse plan to cover the client's wound?

Choice A rationale:

Hydrogel dressings are used for wounds with little to no exudate. They are not suitable for wounds with significant exudate.

Choice B rationale:

Polymeric membrane dressings are used for dry wounds with or without depth. They are not suitable for wounds with significant exudate.

Choice C rationale:

Hydrofiber dressings are used for wounds with moderate to high amounts of exudate. They are suitable for wounds with significant exudate.

Choice D rationale:

Hydrocolloid dressings are used for wounds that have minimal to moderate exudate. They are not suitable for wounds with significant exudate.

Choice A rationale:

Numbing the area treated is not a physiological effect of moist heat. Moist heat primarily works by increasing blood flow to the treated area.

Choice B rationale:

Dilating the blood vessels is the correct answer. Moist heat therapy works by increasing the temperature of the skin/soft tissue, which leads to vasodilation and increased blood flow to the treated area.

Choice C rationale:

Drawing fluid to the site of application is not a physiological effect of moist heat. Moist heat primarily works by increasing blood flow to the treated area.

Choice D rationale:

Constricting the blood vessels is not a physiological effect of moist heat. Moist heat primarily works by increasing blood flow to the treated area through vasodilation.