Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following is true of non-sterile dressings?

1. They cover open wounds

2. They are applied to dry wounds

3. They cover draining wounds

4. Nursing assistants are not allowed to handle them

The correct answer is: They are applied to dry wounds

Non-sterile dressings play a significant role in wound care, and one of their primary purposes is to address various types of wounds, including dry wounds. When applied to dry wounds, non-sterile dressings help to protect the area from external contaminants and maintain a healthy moisture balance, which is beneficial for healing. In the context of the other options, it's important to note that while non-sterile dressings can indeed cover open and draining wounds, they are not the preferred choice for such types of wounds due to the increased risk of infection that could arise from non-sterility. Instead, sterile dressings are typically indicated for open and draining wounds to ensure a higher level of protection and support proper healing. Additionally, nursing assistants are often trained to handle non-sterile dressings within their scope of practice, making the notion that they are not allowed to handle them inaccurate in most situations. Understanding the specific use and application of non-sterile dressings is essential for providing safe and effective patient care.