Which item is MOST likely used when applying a sterile dressing to a skin graft recipient site?

Using a bolster when applying a sterile dressing to a skin graft recipient site is particularly advantageous due to its design and function. A bolster is a type of dressing that helps support the graft and maintain its position, allowing for optimal healing. It is typically utilized to create a protective barrier that keeps the graft in place, prevents movement, and allows for proper vascularization — critical factors in graft success.

When dealing with skin grafts, the integrity of the graft site is vital, and the bolster provides stability and cushioning against external forces that could disrupt the healing process. It helps reduce the risk of shear and friction, which are detrimental to the graft’s adherence and integration into the surrounding tissue.

In contrast, other choices may have merit in various scenarios but do not provide the same level of support and stability specific to a skin graft recipient site. ABD pads, for instance, are broader absorbent dressings suitable for larger wounds but might not offer the necessary support or protection a graft requires. Similarly, 4x4s can absorb exudate but lack the structural support that a bolster provides. Steri-Strips are adhesive strips used for approximating skin edges, primarily for superficial lacerations or incisions, making them inadequate for covering a graft site that