While applying a wet-to-dry dressing,how would the nurse explain to the patient how this procedure works for promoting healing? A wet-to-dry dressing is a:

A) Method of submerging the wound in water, allowing it to soak before drying the wound bed
B) Procedure that uses proteolytic agents to break down necrotic tissue in the wound bed
C) Means of debriding the wound but also removing granulation tissue from the wound
D) Form of debridement that uses an occlusive, moisture-retaining dressing to break down necrotic tissue

A wet-to-dry dressing uses coarse gauze moistened with normal saline that is packed into the wound,allowed to dry,and then removed,perhaps several times a day.This form of nonselective debridement removes not only debris,but also granulation tissue from the wound.It is also quite painful.Hydrotherapy or whirlpool treatments are nonselective debridement wherein the wound is submerged in a whirlpool containing tepid water for a prescribed amount of time (usually 5 to 15 minutes).This form of debridement is reserved for wounds with a large amount of nonviable tissue,such as burns.Enzymatic debridement uses proteolytic agents to break down necrotic tissue without affecting viable tissue in the wound.To use an enzymatic product,clean the wound with normal saline,apply a thin layer of the cream,and cover with a moisture-retaining dressing.Autolysis breaks down necrotic tissue by using an occlusive,moisture-retaining dressing (e.g.,transparent dressing)and the body's own enzymes and defense mechanisms.This process takes more time than the other techniques,but it is better tolerated.