After saturating gauze with ordered solution in wound packing, which step comes next?

• A. Wring out the gauze
• B. Unfold and lightly pack into the wound
• C. Pack until surface
• D. Cover with a dry dressing

Answer: (B)

When a wound is packed with gauze that has been moistened with the prescribed solution, the goal is to fill dead space while preserving a moist wound environment. The next step is to unfold the gauze and gently pack it into the wound, allowing it to conform to the wound bed and pad the cavity without tight compression. This keeps the solution in contact with the tissue, promotes drainage, and prevents tissue trauma from overpacking. Wringing out the gauze would remove solution and reduce benefits, and packing to the surface or overly tight packing can impair drainage and perfusion. After packing, apply a dry dressing to absorb exudate and protect the wound.