A client is admitted with a stage four pressure ulcer that has a black, hardened surface. Which dressing is appropriate?

A client is admitted with a stage four pressure ulcer that has a black, hardened surface. Which dressing is appropriate?

• A. Wet to moist dressing
• B. Dry dressing only
• C. Transparent film
• D. Antibiotic ointment with nonadherent dressing

Answer: (A)

When a pressure ulcer has a black, hardened surface, the wound contains nonviable tissue (eschar) that blocks healing and can harbor bacteria. The main goal is to remove that dead tissue and create a moist environment that supports natural debridement and healing. A wet-to-moist dressing accomplishes this by keeping the wound bed moist and, as the dressing is changed, helping to mechanically lift away necrotic tissue and debris. This approach promotes cleansing of the wound and prepares it for later healing steps. A dry dressing would not provide the moisture needed for efficient debridement and healing. A transparent film is more suited to shallow wounds with little drainage and can trap moisture or exudate in a way that isn’t ideal for a heavily necrotic, deep wound. An antibiotic ointment with a nonadherent dressing focuses on infection prevention rather than removing necrotic tissue and may not address the necrotic barrier to healing.

When a pressure ulcer has a black, hardened surface, the wound contains nonviable tissue (eschar) that blocks healing and can harbor bacteria. The main goal is to remove that dead tissue and create a moist environment that supports natural debridement and healing. A wet-to-moist dressing accomplishes this by keeping the wound bed moist and, as the dressing is changed, helping to mechanically lift away necrotic tissue and debris. This approach promotes cleansing of the wound and prepares it for later healing steps.

A dry dressing would not provide the moisture needed for efficient debridement and healing. A transparent film is more suited to shallow wounds with little drainage and can trap moisture or exudate in a way that isn’t ideal for a heavily necrotic, deep wound. An antibiotic ointment with a nonadherent dressing focuses on infection prevention rather than removing necrotic tissue and may not address the necrotic barrier to healing.