When are non-sterile dressings typically applied?

• A. Wet, infected wounds
• B. Dry, closed wounds that have less chance of infection
• C. Deeply pruned wounds
• D. Open wounds with heavy bleeding

Answer: (C)

Non-sterile dressings are used when a wound is clean and not at high risk for infection. After cleaning and trimming away damaged tissue, a wound that is small, shallow, and free of contamination can be covered with a simple non-sterile dressing to protect it, keep debris out, and absorb a little drainage. That describes a deeply pruned wound: a cleaned, minor wound that doesn’t pose a high infection risk, so a non-sterile cover is appropriate. In contrast, wounds that are infected, heavily bleeding, or dirty require sterile dressings and more advanced care.