Which of the following is NOT a function of a dressing?

A dressing serves several vital functions in wound management, and understanding these roles helps clarify why one of the choices does not align with the accepted purposes of a dressing.

Dressing is used to protect wounds from injury, which entails creating a barrier against external contaminants and preventing further trauma to the area. This protection is crucial for reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing.

Additionally, dressings absorb drainage, which is important to manage exudate from wounds effectively. This absorption helps maintain a clean wound environment and prevents maceration of surrounding tissue.

Moreover, dressings can provide moisture for wound healing, which is significant for facilitating cellular migration and tissue regeneration. Maintaining an appropriate moisture balance in a wound is essential as it helps to aid in the healing process.

The aspect concerning support and reducing swelling isn't a primary function of a dressing. While some dressings can provide a degree of support and compressive effect (like pressure bandages), the main goal of a dressing is to protect the wound, absorb fluids, and maintain a conducive healing environment, rather than to support or compress the area to reduce swelling. Hence, it is correct that supporting the wound and reducing swelling is not a fundamental purpose of a dressing.