What is the difference between a dressing and a bandage?

What is the difference between a dressing and a bandage?

• A. Dressing dries wound; bandage cleans
• B. Dressing is applied to the wound; bandage holds it in place
• C. Dressing is applied to closed wounds; bandages hold it in place
• D. Dressing is applied directly to the wound; bandage holds it in place

Answer: (D)

The difference is in purpose and placement: a dressing is the sterile pad or gauze placed directly on the wound to protect it and absorb drainage, while a bandage is the wrap used to hold that dressing in place and protect the area. That’s why the best choice says the dressing goes directly on the wound and the bandage keeps it secured. Dressings aren’t primarily for drying or cleaning the wound, and they aren’t limited to closed wounds—dressings are for open wounds to protect and manage drainage, with the bandage helping to keep everything in place.

The difference is in purpose and placement: a dressing is the sterile pad or gauze placed directly on the wound to protect it and absorb drainage, while a bandage is the wrap used to hold that dressing in place and protect the area. That’s why the best choice says the dressing goes directly on the wound and the bandage keeps it secured. Dressings aren’t primarily for drying or cleaning the wound, and they aren’t limited to closed wounds—dressings are for open wounds to protect and manage drainage, with the bandage helping to keep everything in place.