The difference between a dressing and a bandage is ________.

The distinction between a dressing and a bandage is significant in emergency medical care. A dressing is designed to be placed directly on a wound to help control bleeding, protect it from infection, and promote healing. It is typically sterile, absorbent, and adheres closely to the wound. In contrast, a bandage is primarily used to secure a dressing in place, support an injured body part, or apply pressure to control bleeding, but it does not make contact with the wound itself.

Understanding this difference is crucial for effective wound management. A dressing interacts with the wound environment, while a bandage serves more functionally to hold things together or secure the dressing in position. This ensures that dressings can be changed as needed without requiring the entire application to be removed, allowing for easier monitoring and treatment of the wound.