Question

The nurse is providing care to a patient with a pressure ulcer that is covered in eschar. Which dressing prescription will the nurse use for this patient?

1 None
2 Adherent film
3 Composite film
4 Calcium alginate

Answer 1

For a patient with a pressure ulcer covered in eschar, calcium alginate is typically the dressing of choice due to its high absorbency and promotion of autolytic debridement.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer covered in eschar, it is important to choose the appropriate dressing. In this situation, calcium alginate (option 4) is often the prescribed dressing. Calcium alginate dressing is highly absorptive and can help with the management of moderate to high exudate wounds, like those with eschar. It interacts with the wound exudate to form a gel, which maintains a moist wound environment conducive to healing. This type of dressing is also useful in autolytic debridement, which is the body's natural process of breaking down necrotic tissue. It is important to remember that the choice of dressing can vary depending on factors like the extent of the eschar, the patient's overall condition, and specific treatments ordered by the healthcare provider.