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

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Which of the following dressings is not suitable for fragile skin?

  1. Transparent adhesive dressing

  2. Silicone-based adhesive dressings

  3. Hydrofiber dressings

  4. Elastic bandages

The correct answer is: Transparent adhesive dressing

A transparent adhesive dressing is often not suitable for fragile skin due to its strong adhesive properties. Such dressings can adhere too tightly and may cause damage to the delicate epidermal layers when being removed, leading to skin tears or further complications in patients with already fragile skin. In contrast, silicone-based adhesive dressings are designed to be gentle on the skin and minimize trauma upon removal, making them ideal for sensitive or fragile skin profiles. Hydrofiber dressings are highly absorbent and provide a moist healing environment without adhering strongly to the skin, also making them appropriate. Elastic bandages, while they can be adjusted for compression, are less aggressive compared to transparent adhesive dressings, but they are not specifically designed for individuals with fragile skin. Understanding the impacts of each dressing type on fragile skin is crucial in selecting the most appropriate option for patient care to ensure healing without additional harm.