What are the typical wound dressing goals, and when is sterile technique required?

• A. Sterile technique is never required for wound care.
• B. Wound dressing goals include removing all moisture from the wound.
• C. Protect wound, maintain moist environment, absorb drainage; sterile technique is required for invasive procedures, open wounds, or when a sterile field is maintained.
• D. Prevent any contact with the wound by covering with multiple layers of gauze only.

Answer: (C)

Wound dressing goals are to protect the wound, maintain a moist environment that supports healing, and absorb drainage to prevent maceration of surrounding skin. Keeping the wound moist helps cells migrate and re-epithelialize, while absorbing drainage reduces infection risk and skin irritation. Sterile technique is required when the procedure could introduce pathogens or when a sterile field must be preserved—this includes invasive procedures, dealing with open wounds, or situations where sterility is essential. For routine care of a non-open wound, clean technique is often sufficient. The option that states these goals and when sterile technique is needed best captures the standard approach.