What is the purpose of a PD exit-site dressing?

• A. To decorate the exit site.
• B. To protect the exit site from contamination during healing and reduce infection risk; change dressings as directed.
• C. To increase drainage rate.
• D. To monitor blood pressure.

Answer: (B)

The exit-site dressing is there to protect the PD catheter entry point from contaminants as it heals and to reduce the risk of infection. It provides a sterile barrier, helps keep the skin clean and dry, and allows you or the caregiver to inspect the site for redness, swelling, or drainage. Dressings should be changed as directed to maintain sterility—using clean hands and sterile supplies, and not reusing old dressings. The other options don’t fit because decorating the site, increasing drainage, or monitoring blood pressure aren’t purposes of the dressing.