National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the MOST appropriate dressing for a wound draining copious amounts of serous fluid?

1. An autolytic debrider covered with a gauze wrap

2. A transparent dressing

3. An absorbent dressing

4. An alginate covered with a cushioned dressing

The correct answer is: An absorbent dressing

Choosing the most appropriate dressing for a wound that is draining copious amounts of serous fluid is essential for effective wound management. An absorbent dressing is designed to handle significant amounts of exudate, making it ideal for this situation. These types of dressings are specifically created to absorb excess fluid, which not only helps manage the moisture levels in the wound environment but also prevents maceration of the surrounding skin. This is particularly important when fluid volumes are high, as it helps maintain a balance that promotes healing while protecting healthy tissue. In contrast, other options have limitations. For example, a transparent dressing may allow for visualization of the wound but is often not effective for managing large amounts of fluid because it is not absorbent enough. An autolytic debrider relies on the body’s own fluids to promote healing, which may not be appropriate when managing excessive drainage. An alginate dressing is excellent for wounds with high exudate levels, but it often requires a secondary dressing, which can complicate management compared to a straightforward absorbent dressing that can directly take up the fluid. Thus, using an absorbent dressing is the most appropriate choice for a wound with high amounts of serous fluid because it effectively manages drainage while promoting a