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
It is common for school-age children to exhibit magical thinking and believe that their actions or thoughts have the power to cause events, including the illness or death of a loved one. Therefore, it would be expected for the school-age brother of a child with terminal cancer to have thoughts or beliefs that his own behavior is causing his brother's death.
It is important for the nurse to provide age-appropriate education and support to help the brother understand the nature of the illness and address any misconceptions or feelings of guilt.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This response acknowledges the son's exhaustion and offers a constructive solution by suggesting respite care. Respite care provides temporary relief to caregivers by arranging for someone else to take over caregiving responsibilities for a specific period of time.
It allows caregivers to have a break and take care of their own physical and emotional well-being. By providing information about respite care, the nurse is offering support and resources to help alleviate the son's fatigue while ensuring that the mother's care needs are still met.
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.