ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 ( 180 Questions)

Question 3 :

A nurse is preparing to perform a wet-to-dry dressing change for a client who has an infected abdominal wound.

Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when performing this dressing change?



Correct Answer: C

When removing the dressing and cleaning the wound, it is important to start from the center of the wound and work towards the outer edges. This technique helps prevent contamination of the wound by minimizing the risk of dragging bacteria or debris from the surrounding skin into the wound.

The other options listed are not recommended for this specific procedure:

When removing the tape, it is generally recommended to pull it parallel to the skin surface rather than pulling from the center of the dressing. This technique reduces the risk of causing trauma or disrupting the wound.

While it is important to maintain aseptic technique during dressing changes, wearing sterile gloves is not necessary for a wet-to-dry dressing change. Clean, non-sterile gloves are typically sufficient for this procedure, as the dressing material itself is not sterile.

In a wet-to-dry dressing change, the dressing is typically applied moist and allowed to dry over time. Therefore, moistening the dressing before removal is not necessary. The primary goal is to remove the dry dressing, which may adhere to the wound bed, and then clean the wound before applying a fresh dressing.


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