A patient has a wound healing by secondary intention. Which dressing type is most suitable for this scenario?

In cases where a wound is healing by secondary intention, the most suitable dressing type is one that can manage exudate while providing a barrier to external contaminants. ABD (Abdominal) pads are designed to absorb larger amounts of exudate, making them ideal for wounds that are healing more slowly due to the presence of granulation tissue and the formation of new epithelial cells, which is typical in secondary intention healing. These pads are thick and have high absorbency, which helps maintain a moist wound environment while also protecting the wound from infection.

While other options such as bio-occlusive strips and Steri-strips are effective for primary closure and managing superficial wounds, they are not suitable for wounds healing by secondary intention where significant exudate and a more dynamic healing environment are present. Bolsters can provide support but are not specifically designed for proper absorption or protection in these scenarios. Therefore, ABD pads specifically address the needs of a wound healing by secondary intention by ensuring adequate absorption and protection.