What does a pressure dressing provide when placed over a packed wound?

A pressure dressing plays a crucial role in managing a packed wound by applying direct pressure to the area. This immediate pressure is vital for controlling bleeding, promoting hemostasis, and fostering an environment conducive to wound healing. When the dressing is tightly applied over the packed wound, it helps to compress the packing material against the wound site, which assists in stopping blood flow and stabilizing any potential traumatic injuries.

While protection from infection is important, it is primarily provided by the integrity of the dressing material and the cleanliness of the wound packing. Temperature control is not a primary function of pressure dressings; rather, it is more relevant to other types of wound care management. Similarly, medication delivery typically involves different forms of administration, such as topical applications or injections, rather than being a primary function of pressure dressings.