Which of the following is NOT a purpose of wound dressings?

Dressings serve several essential purposes in wound care, and one of those purposes is not to prevent moisture completely. In fact, maintaining an optimal level of moisture at the wound site is crucial for the healing process. Proper moisture helps create a conducive environment for cell migration and reduces the risk of scab formation, which can impede healing.

Although it is essential to manage excess moisture to prevent maceration of the surrounding skin, the ultimate goal is not to completely prevent moisture. Instead, effective dressings often aim to maintain a moist wound environment while also providing protection and absorption of drainage. Therefore, while you want to keep the wound protected and manage drainage effectively, completely preventing moisture would not align with the key functions of wound dressings and could hinder the healing process.