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

What is a major issue associated with wet to dry dressings?

1. They promote quicker healing times

2. They often remove viable tissue

3. They are less painful

4. They increase patient comfort

The correct answer is: They often remove viable tissue

Wet to dry dressings are commonly used in wound care, but a significant issue with their application is that they often remove viable tissue during the dressing change process. This technique involves applying a moistened dressing to a wound and allowing it to dry out, after which it is removed, taking with it any necrotic or devitalized tissue that may be adhering to the dressing. While this can help to debride the wound, it does not discriminate between healthy granulation tissue and unwanted tissue, which can inadvertently lead to the loss of healthy tissue and delayed healing. In terms of the other choices, the assertion that wet to dry dressings promote quicker healing times is misleading, as the risk of damaging healthy tissue can actually hinder healing. Additionally, these dressings can be painful to remove, contradicting the notion that they are less painful or increase patient comfort, as the process can be uncomfortable for patients due to the adherence of the dressing to the wound bed. Therefore, it is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully when considering the use of wet to dry dressings in wound management.