Which statement about dressings is correct?

Which statement about dressings is correct?

• A. Remove dressings to check progress
• B. Elevate the limb and rewrap dressings
• C. Never take dressings off, only add
• D. Apply heat to wound

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to protect the clot and keep the wound sealed. Once a dressing is in place, the safest move is to keep that layer intact and add more dressing on top if needed. Removing a dressing can disrupt the clot that’s forming, reopen the wound, and invite infection or further bleeding. By adding fresh dressings, you maintain a protective barrier, continue absorbing exudate, and reduce the risk of contaminating the wound. Elevating the limb can help with swelling and bleeding, and heat should not be applied to a wound, as it can worsen bleeding and infection risk.

The main idea is to protect the clot and keep the wound sealed. Once a dressing is in place, the safest move is to keep that layer intact and add more dressing on top if needed. Removing a dressing can disrupt the clot that’s forming, reopen the wound, and invite infection or further bleeding. By adding fresh dressings, you maintain a protective barrier, continue absorbing exudate, and reduce the risk of contaminating the wound. Elevating the limb can help with swelling and bleeding, and heat should not be applied to a wound, as it can worsen bleeding and infection risk.