Which term refers to a sterile pad or compress applied directly to a wound to promote healing and protect the wound from further harm?

• A. Dressing
• B. Escort
• C. EMS system
• D. Escalation

Answer: (A)

A sterile pad placed directly on a wound to promote healing and protect it from further harm is called a dressing. Dressings help control bleeding, absorb drainage, and maintain a clean, moist environment that supports healing. They’re applied using sterile technique to prevent infection and are secured with tape or a bandage as needed.

The other terms don’t fit because they refer to unrelated concepts: an escort is someone who accompanies a person, the EMS system is the network that delivers prehospital care, and escalation means increasing the level of response. Dressing is the term that matches the function described.