Which strategy reduces pain during dressing changes?

• A. Premedicate and use atraumatic technique
• B. Increase the speed of removal
• C. Use rigid dressings
• D. Avoid analgesia

Answer: (A)

Pain during dressing changes comes from manipulating exposed tissue and stimulating nerve endings. Premedication with analgesics or local anesthesia, combined with an atraumatic technique, is the most effective approach to minimize this pain. Premedication lowers the patient’s pain perception and can reduce reflex muscle guarding, which makes the procedure easier to perform and more tolerable. Atraumatic technique involves gentle handling of the wound and surrounding skin, careful removal of old dressings with minimal traction, using nonadherent or appropriately lubricated dressings, and gentle irrigation. This limits tissue injury and inflammatory sensitization, further reducing pain and supporting quicker healing. Rushing removal increases tissue tearing and pain; rigid dressings can complicate safe removal and cause more discomfort; and skipping analgesia leaves the patient undertreated for pain, undermining comfort and healing.