LESSON 4
PROCEDURES USED IN WOUND CARE
Section I. CHANGING A STERILE DRESSING
4-1.
a. A dressing is any sterile material used to cover a wound. A sterile dressing is
used to:
(1)
Protect the wound from bacteria in the environment.
(2)
Protect the environment from bacteria in the wound.
(3)
b. A well-applied dressing makes the patient feel like he is receiving good health
care. Psychologically, this makes the patient feel better.
4-2.
DRESSING MATERIALS
Various types of dressing materials can be used when applying or changing a
dressing. The following are those most frequently used.
a. Coarse Mesh Gauze Sponge. Coarse mesh gauze sponge
(figure 4-1) is commonly used as an intermediate layer in many dressings. It is
available in several sizes, but the ones used routinely are 2 x 2 inches, 4 x 4 inches,
and 4 x 8 inches.
Figure 4-1. Mesh gauze.
MD0540
4-2