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

Why is it recommended to keep dressings on surgical incisions until there are no incisional gaps?

1. To prevent exposure to air

2. To allow for proper tissue healing

3. To minimize risk of infection

4. To promote faster scab formation

The correct answer is: To allow for proper tissue healing

Keeping dressings on surgical incisions until there are no incisional gaps is primarily recommended to allow for proper tissue healing. The integrity of the wound closure plays a crucial role in the healing process. When a dressing is in place, it helps maintain a moist environment, which is beneficial for cell migration and tissue regeneration. This moist environment can also facilitate the function of growth factors that are essential for wound healing. Moreover, dressings provide a physical barrier that supports the edges of the incision, thereby minimizing movement and tension that could lead to complications such as dehiscence (wound separation). Once there are no gaps, it generally indicates that the incision has closed sufficiently and is more likely to heal well without the support of a dressing. While the other options touch on important aspects of post-surgical care, such as infection prevention and management of exposure to air, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive role of dressings in promoting optimal healing conditions as effectively as the focus on tissue healing does.