Definition

Noun: A sterile, absorbent material, typically loosely woven cotton gauze, specifically designed to cover and protect an incision or wound created during a surgical procedure. Its primary functions are to absorb fluids, prevent infection, and promote healing.

Usage

A surgical dressing is applied by medical professionals after an operation. It is a key component of post-operative care. - The nurse changed the surgical dressing on the patient's abdomen daily. - The doctor instructed him to keep the surgical dressing clean and dry. - A fresh surgical dressing was applied to the incision site before the patient was discharged.

Advanced Usage

• "to change/replace a surgical dressing": This is the standard phrase for the act of removing an old dressing and applying a new one.
  • Proper technique is essential when changing a surgical dressing to avoid contamination.
• "surgical dressing change": Used as a compound noun to describe the procedure itself.
  • The patient's chart noted the time of the last surgical dressing change.

Variants and Related Words

• Dressing (n): A more general term for any material applied to a wound. A surgical dressing is a specific type of dressing.
• Gauze (n): A thin, open-weave fabric often used as the primary material in surgical dressings.
• Bandage (n): A strip of material used to bind a wound or to hold a dressing in place. A surgical dressing is often secured with a bandage.

Synonyms

• Post-operative dressing
• Sterile dressing
• Wound dressing (a broader term that includes surgical dressings)

Related Phrases

• "to apply a dressing": To put a dressing on a wound.
  • The first step is to clean the wound thoroughly before applying a dressing.
• "under a dressing": Describing the state of a wound being covered.
  • The incision is healing well under the dressing.

Noun

1. a loosely woven cotton dressing for incisions made during surgery