The client has a large, deep wound on the sacral region. The nurse correctly packs the wound by:
1. Filling two thirds of the wound cavity
2. Leaving saline-soaked folded gauze squares in place
3. Putting the dressing in very tightly
4. Extending only to the upper edge of the wound
ANSWER
ANS: 4
The wound should be packed only until the packing material reaches the surface of the wound. Wound packing that overlaps onto the wound edges can cause maceration of the tissue sur-rounding the wound. It can also impede the proper healing and closing of the wound. The wound should be packed to the upper edge of the wound to prevent dead space and the for-mation of abscesses. The gauze should be saturated with the prescribed solution, wrung out, un-folded, and lightly packed into the wound. The wound should not be packed too tightly. Over-packing the wound may cause pressure on the tissue in the wound bed.
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