The nurse is selecting dressings for a clean abdominal incision that w

The nurse is selecting dressings for a clean abdominal incision that will be allowed to heal by secondary intention. What principles should the nurse use in choosing this dressing?

1. Materials used in dressing this wound should keep the wound bed moist.
2. The dressing should allow good air circulation through the wound.
3. Dressings should be simple as they will be changed at least every 4 hours.
4. Absorbent material to wick exudates away and support drying should be used.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Wounds that are expected to heal by secondary intention heal by “granulating in.” In order to support the growth of granulation tissue, the wound bed should be kept moist and oxygen should be kept out of the wound.
Rationale 2: Air is drying to tissues and contains oxygen, so air circulation through the dressing is not desirable.
Rationale 3: The dressings will not be changed that often.
Rationale 4: Because the goal is to keep the wound bed moist, dressings should not wick exudates away.