Because the patient with an abdominal dressing requires frequent dressing changes, the abdomen is beginning to show skin irritation from repeated tape removal.
The nurse would change the dressing procedure in order to use:

Choice A rationale:

Wrapping the dressing in a clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is incorrect because it does not follow proper biohazardous waste disposal protocols.

Choice B rationale:

Double bagging the dressing, labeling it “biohazard,” and sending it for decontamination is incorrect because it is not the standard procedure for disposing of soiled dressings.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the dressing in a biohazardous waste container is the correct method for disposing of soiled dressings.

Choice D rationale:

Discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle is incorrect because it does not follow proper biohazardous waste disposal protocols.

Choice A rationale:

Strengthening the wall of the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.

Choice B rationale:

Drawing the wound edges together by negative pressure is the correct answer. Vacuum-assisted closure, also known as negative pressure wound therapy, works by applying negative pressure to the wound, which helps to draw the edges of the wound together and promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

Making an air occlusive cover for the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Interrupting the proliferation of bacteria in the wound is not the primary function of vacuum-assisted closure. The main function is to promote wound healing by applying negative pressure.