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
Using the overbed trapeze helps the client strengthen their upper body and improve mobility by allowing them to independently move and reposition themselves in bed. This promotes independence in activities of daily living and reduces reliance on nursing assistance.

Cautioning the client to avoid a prone position while in bed is important for preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining proper positioning, but it does not specifically promote independence and mobility.
Keeping a loose, absorbent dressing over the surgical site is important for wound care and infection prevention, but it does not directly promote mobility or independence. Maintaining abduction of the client's residual limb with a pillow is important to prevent contractures, but it does not directly promote mobility or independence.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A.The prescription specifies “four times per day,” which is clear.
B.The medication specified is erythromycin, which is clear
C.The dosage of 500 mg is clearly specified.
D.The route of administration eg. oral, topical is not specified and needs to be clarified to ensure proper administration.
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