What type of wound heals by edges approximating with a suture?

Choice A rationale
Hydrocolloid dressings are not designed to keep a wound dry; instead, they maintain a moist environment which is conducive to wound healing. They absorb exudate and form a gel, which promotes granulation and epithelialization.

Choice B rationale
The primary purpose of a hydrocolloid dressing is to remain in place for an extended period, typically up to 7 days. This minimizes disturbance to the wound, reduces the risk of infection, and maintains a moist healing environment.

Choice C rationale
While hydrocolloid dressings can help prevent bacterial growth due to their occlusive nature, their main function is not to destroy microorganisms. They provide a barrier against external contaminants and support autolytic debridement.

Choice D rationale
The main purpose of hydrocolloid dressings is to promote a moist healing environment. They contain gel-forming agents that absorb exudate and maintain a moist wound bed, which facilitates faster healing and reduced scar formation.

Choice A rationale
When administering a hot soak treatment, it is crucial to soak only the affected area to provide targeted heat therapy. This localized approach helps to increase blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing in the specific area that requires treatment. Soaking only the affected area also minimizes the risk of overheating and potential burns to other parts of the body.

Choice B rationale
While positioning the patient comfortably is important for any treatment, it is not the most critical aspect of a hot soak treatment. Comfort should always be considered, but the primary goal of the hot soak is to apply heat to the affected area to aid in healing. Therefore, ensuring that only the affected area is soaked takes precedence over general patient comfort in this context.

Choice C rationale
Monitoring the temperature of the water is the most important aspect of a hot soak treatment. The water must be warm enough to be therapeutic but not so hot as to cause burns or discomfort. This ensures the treatment is both safe and effective1.

Choice D rationale
Checking the patient’s skin integrity is important, especially if the patient has a condition that affects skin sensitivity, such as diabetes. However, the immediate concern during a hot soak treatment is to monitor the temperature to prevent injury.