For what purpose are sterile tapes primarily used?

Sterile tapes are primarily used for wound closure, which involves securing the edges of a wound together to facilitate healing and reduce the risk of infection. This type of tape is designed to be free from pathogens, making it suitable for direct contact with wounds. The adhesive quality of the tape allows it to firmly hold the skin edges in place, providing stability and support while the body naturally begins the healing process.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes. While bone fixation pertains to stabilizing broken bones through devices like plates or screws, wound closure tape specifically focuses on managing soft tissue injuries. Surgical marking relates to marking the skin or surgical site before procedures, and drainage refers to devices or techniques used to remove fluid or pus from an area, neither of which involves the closure of wounds like sterile tape does. Thus, the primary function of sterile tapes aligns with facilitating proper wound healing by securely closing the wound site.