Which of the following should be prepared for a mastoid dressing?

For a mastoid dressing, the primary goal is to adequately compress the surgical site while also providing protection and maintaining a clean environment. Preparing several fluffed sponges along with rolled gauze is ideal for achieving this objective. The fluffed sponges offer a cushioning effect that can absorb drainage, while the rolled gauze allows for securing the dressing in place effectively, providing the necessary compression to minimize swelling and support healing.

Fluffed sponges are designed to expand and conform to the irregular contours of the ear, which is essential in a mastoid procedure where precision in dressing is important to prevent complications. The rolled gauze complements the fluffed sponges perfectly, as it can be wrapped around the area to maintain pressure and support without restricting blood flow.

Other preparations may not provide the same level of effectiveness. For example, squared gauze sponges might not allow for adequate compression and might not conform well to the area. Similarly, using an abdominal pad might be too large and not fit appropriately for the mastoid area, as it is designed for larger surfaces. Lastly, while gauze sponges and a Velcro strap may offer some stability, they do not provide the same cushioning effect or adequate control of compression needed for a mastoid dressing. Overall,