Which term describes a dressing that seals and maintains moisture over a wound?

Which term describes a dressing that seals and maintains moisture over a wound?

• A. Occlusive
• B. Aseptic
• C. Wet
• D. Dry sterile

Answer: (A)

Occlusive dressings create a sealed, nonporous barrier that traps moisture at the wound surface. This moist environment supports faster epithelial migration and autolytic debridement, reduces tissue damage from drying, and often provides pain relief while protecting the wound from contamination. That combination of sealing and moisture retention is what makes an occlusive dressing the best fit for promoting moist wound healing. Aseptic refers to preventing infection through sterile technique, not about keeping moisture in. A wet dressing describes moisture content but not the sealing effect that prevents evaporation. A dry sterile dressing keeps the wound surface drier and does not maintain the moist environment that occlusive dressings provide.

Occlusive dressings create a sealed, nonporous barrier that traps moisture at the wound surface. This moist environment supports faster epithelial migration and autolytic debridement, reduces tissue damage from drying, and often provides pain relief while protecting the wound from contamination. That combination of sealing and moisture retention is what makes an occlusive dressing the best fit for promoting moist wound healing.

Aseptic refers to preventing infection through sterile technique, not about keeping moisture in. A wet dressing describes moisture content but not the sealing effect that prevents evaporation. A dry sterile dressing keeps the wound surface drier and does not maintain the moist environment that occlusive dressings provide.