A client with a large abdominal wound requires a dressing change every

A client with a large abdominal wound requires a dressing change every 4 hours. The client will be discharged to the home setting, where the dressing care will be continued. Which of the fol-lowing is true concerning this client’s wound healing process?

1. An antiseptic agent is best followed with a rinse of sterile saline solution.
2. A heat lamp should be used every 2 hours to rid the wound area of contaminants.
3. Sterile technique should be emphasized to the client and family.
4. A dressing covering will allow the wound area to remain moist.

ANSWER

ANS: 4
A dressing should support a moist wound environment if the wound is healing by secondary in-tention, such as with a large abdominal wound. A moist wound base facilitates the movement of epithelialization, thus allowing the wound to resurface as quickly as possible. Only mild soap may be used or saline. Antiseptics may be damaging to granulation tissue. A heat lamp should not be used because it will dry out the wound and impair the movement of epithelialization. Clean dressings may be used in the home setting.