Title: Apply/change dressings or bandages in a clinical setting.
Course: Medical Assistant II (14151-II) > Section: Assisting in the Administration of Selected Treatments

Applying/changing may include

- sterile dressings
- burn dressings
- bandaging and splinting with an elastic wrap
- pressure bandaging
- wound care
- debridement and irrigation
- wound closure (e.g., butterfly bandage, Steri-Strip, self-adhesive transparent dressing).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the difference between a dressing and a bandage? When is a dressing appropriate, and when is a bandage appropriate?
- Why is maintaining sterility when preparing a sterile dressing change so important to the patient's healing?
- What damage can occur when an elastic wrap is not applied properly?
- What is appropriate dressing for vascular access? What are appropriate dress materials?