Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What is a critical factor in maintaining a skin graft after application?

1. Allow the graft to dry for faster healing

2. Maintain light pressure dressing without movement

3. Remove dressings to assess the graft frequently

4. Encourage exposure to air for quicker recovery

The correct answer is: Maintain light pressure dressing without movement

The maintenance of a skin graft after application is crucial for ensuring proper healing and integration with the surrounding tissue. Using a light pressure dressing without movement is a key factor in this process. Maintaining a light pressure dressing helps to secure the graft in place, preventing it from shifting or becoming displaced. This stability is vital because any movement can disrupt the new connections forming between the graft and the recipient site, potentially leading to graft failure. Additionally, a pressure dressing helps to minimize the risk of hematoma formation, which can further compromise the graft. This approach also creates a moist environment underneath the dressing, which is known to promote healing. A moist wound healing environment is beneficial, as it can help reduce pain and enhance granulation tissue formation, making successful integration of the graft more likely. In contrast, letting the graft dry or encouraging frequent removal of dressings would expose the graft to potential injury and environmental contaminants, impairing healing. Air exposure, while beneficial in some situations, is not advisable for grafts immediately after application, as it can lead to desiccation and loss of viability.