An efficient dressing should be _____.

Explanation:

• A dressing is a protective covering applied to a wound to:
  1. prevent infection,
  2. absorb discharge,
  3. control bleeding,
  4. avoid further injury, and
  5. reduce pain.
• An efficient dressing should be sterile (germ-free) and have a good degree of porosity to allow for oozing and sweating.

Types Of Dressings

Adhesive Dressings (Band-Aid)

• These sterile dressings consist of a pad of absorbent gauze of cellulose held in place by a layer of adhesive material. Sterile adhesive dressings are supplied in paper or plastic covers.
• The surrounding skin must be dry before application and all the edges of the dressing pressed firmly down.

Non-Adhesive Dressing

Ready-Made Sterile Dressing

• The dressing consists of layers of gauze covered by a pad of cotton wool and with an attached roller bandage to hold it in position. The dressing is enclosed and sealed in protective covering (which is only broken while applying) and is supplied in various sizes.

Gauze Dressing

• Gauze in layers is commonly used as a dressing for large wounds, as it is very absorbent, soft and pliable. It is liable to adhere to the wound; however, it may assist the clotting of blood. The dressing should be covered by one or more layers of cotton wool.

Improvised Dressing

• These can be formed from any clean soft absorbent material such as a clean handkerchief, a piece of linen, a clean paper, or cellulose tissue. They should be covered and retained in position.