A patient has a stage II pressure ulcer on her right buttock.The ulcer is covered with dry,yellow slough that tightly adheres to the wound.What is the best treatment the nurse could recommend for treating this wound?

A) Dry gauze dressing changed twice daily
B) Nonadherent dressing with daily wound care
C) Hydrocolloid dressing changed as needed
D) Wet-to-dry dressings changed three times a day

A hydrocolloid dressing would conform to this area and form a protective layer against friction and bacterial invasion.It would also promote autolytic debridement of the slough and absorb the exudate from the autolysis.Dry gauze and nonadherent dressing (e.g.,Telfa)would cover the wound but would not aid in removing the slough.A wet-to-dry dressing is a form of mechanical debridement.It would aid in removing the slough but is nonselective; therefore,it could cause damage to healthy tissue as well.