The nurse is preparing for a wet-to-dry dressing change for a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer. What is the benefit of a wet-to-dry dressing for this patient?

Explanation

• Wet-to-dry dressings aid in debridement of exudate and necrotic tissue. They also promote wound healing by secondary intention.

• Primary intention involves the closure of the wound to promote healing. This is done with staples, sutures, or glue. Healing is from the outside-in.

• Secondary intention means the wound heals from the inside-out.

• Tertiary intention is when the wound is cleaned and left open for several days for observation.

• Hydrocolloid dressings minimize discomfort and prevent contamination of microbes.

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