For a wound healing by secondary intention, what dressing type should the surgical technologist request?

For a wound healing by secondary intention, the most appropriate type of dressing is the ABD (Abdominal) pad. Secondary intention healing occurs when a wound is left open to heal naturally from the bottom up, which typically involves a larger surface area and a significant amount of drainage. ABD pads are designed to absorb excess exudate while providing a cushion and protecting the wound from further injury or contamination.

These pads are thicker and highly absorbent, making them suitable for managing the exudate produced during the healing process of wounds that are healing by secondary intention. They also help create the appropriate environment for healing by allowing for some moisture retention while keeping the surrounding skin dry, which is beneficial for the formation of granulation tissue.

While Steri-Strips are useful for approximating the edges of a wound, they are not meant for wounds healing by secondary intention. Bio-occlusive dressings like Opsite are more suited for superficial wounds as they provide a barrier to moisture and can create a moist environment, but they would not effectively manage the moisture and drainage anticipated in a secondary intention wound. Bolsters are typically used for securing grafts or in cases where added support is required for a wound, but they are not ideal as a primary dressing for secondary intention