When removing a contaminated dressing, in which direction should you pull relative to the wound?

• A. Across the wound
• B. Away from the wound
• C. In the direction of the wound
• D. Diagonally away from the wound

Answer: (C)

Removing a contaminated dressing by pulling toward the wound helps protect the wound and surrounding skin. Peeling the dressing along the wound edge minimizes shear and tearing of tissue, reduces pain, and keeps contaminants from dragging across healthy skin. By directing the motion toward the wound, the dressing releases smoothly in line with the wound margins rather than pulling across intact skin. Pulling across, away, or diagonally would create more friction and shear on the periwound area, increasing the chance of tissue damage and discomfort. So, the best approach is to peel the dressing toward the wound in a smooth, controlled motion.