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?
Remove the tape by pulling from the center of the dressing
Wear sterile gloves to remove the dressing
Clean the wound from the center to the outer edges
Moisten the dressing before removal
The Correct Answer is 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.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The APN, also known as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and medication management. They are trained to assess medication interactions, evaluate potential risks, and provide guidance to ensure safe and effective medication use.
The other members of the interdisciplinary team listed are not specifically trained to address medication interactions:
- Social worker: Social workers focus on addressing psychosocial aspects of care, such as emotional support, counseling, and resource coordination. While they may provide valuable assistance in various areas of the client's care, they typically do not have specialized knowledge in medication interactions.
- Patient care technician: Patient care technicians, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants, provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. They do not typically have the training or authority to address medication interactions.
- Psychologist: Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional health concerns. While they may be involved in the client's overall care, including medication management for mental health conditions, their expertise lies primarily in psychological assessment and therapy rather than medication interactions.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Fontanels are soft spots on an infant's skull where the bones have not yet fused together. The anterior fontanel, located at the front of the head, typically closes between 12 to 18 months of age. The posterior fontanel, located at the back of the head, usually closes by 2 to 3 months of age.
The other findings mentioned are typical developmental milestones for a 4-month-old infant:
- Rolling from back to abdomen: By 4 months of age, it is expected that infants can roll from their back to their abdomen. This is a normal developmental milestone.
- Moves objects to mouth: At 4 months, infants begin to develop hand-eye coordination and the ability to reach for objects. Bringing objects to the mouth is a typical behavior at this age as infants explore their environment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
