Wet to Dry Dressing

What does changing dressing have in common with learning to ride a bike?

Both skills require practice, patience, and proper technique.

Changing dressings is a skill nurses use daily, so it’s important to master this skill early on in your training. One technique is wet to dry dressing, which nurses use in wound care to help remove dead tissue and promote healing.

This guide will help unravel the steps of changing wet-to-dry dressing. It will also provide tips and precautions for safe, effective wound care.

Steps to Change a Wet to Dry Dressing

Here are 12 steps to change a wet-to-dry dressing

1. Check the client’s chart. Wound care isn’t one-size-fits-all. Always check the client’s medical record for specific instructions from the health care provider.

2. Gather supplies. You’ll need gloves, sterile gauze pads, sterile water or saline solution, a clean basin, and adhesive tape.

3. Wash your hands and prepare the area. Wash your hands with warm water (from fingertips to elbows), put on gloves, and set up a sterile field.

4. Make sure the client is comfortable and positioned correctly. For example, if the dressing is on a limb, elevate it to reduce swelling.

5. Remove the old dressing. Carefully take off the old dressing, starting from the edges. Note any signs of infection or unusual discharge.

6. Clean the wound. Gently clean the wound with sterile water or saline, using light pressure to remove debris and excess moisture.

7. Gently pat the wound dry with a sterile gauze pad. Examine the old dressing for color, consistency, and odor.

8. Assess the client’s wound. Note any changes and compare them to earlier assessments.

9. Apply the new dressing. Moisten a piece of sterile gauze with saline or sterile water, wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping, and place it directly onto the wound.

10. Cover with dry dressing. Place a dry piece of sterile gauze over the wet dressing to completely cover the wound.

11. Secure the dressing. Secure the gauze with adhesive tape.

12. Dispose. Dispose of used supplies in a biohazard container and rewash your hands.

What are the Disadvantages of Wet to Dry Dressing?

Wet-to-dry dressings are good for debridement but can also cause pain and damage healthy tissue.

They may also need frequent changes, an often time-consuming and uncomfortable process for the client.

Can You Use Sterile Water for Wet to Dry Dressing?

You can use sterile water to moisten the gauze in a wet-to-dry dressing.

But health care providers often prefer saline solution because it’s isotonic and less likely to irritate. Don’t use unsterile tap water, as it could contaminate the wound.

Alternatives to Wet to Dry Dressing

Depending on the wound and the care setting, other dressings include:

• Alginate: Made from seaweed, these dressings are super absorbent and promote healing.

• Antimicrobial: These dressings have substances that fight infection and reduce odor.

• Foam: Foam dressings are known for their excellent absorbency. Use for wounds with moderate to heav exudate.

• Honey: Medical-grade honey dressings promote healing and have antibacterial properties.

• Hydrocolloids: They form a gel when in contact with wound drainage, providing protection and promoting healing.

• Hydrogel: These dressings absorb water and have a cooling effect, which can reduce pain. They also help keep the wound moist for healing.

• Transparent film: This dressing allows you to monitor the wound without removing it.

Complications from Wet to Dry Dressing

Complications can include:

• Pain and discomfort: Clients may experience pain when nurses remove the dressing, especially if it sticks to the wound.

• Infection: If not changed often, wet-to-dry dressings can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Damage to healthy tissue: Non-selective debridement may damage healing tissue, prolonging recovery.

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