A client has a stage 3 pressure ulcer on the left trochanter with moderate serosanguineous drainage. The wound is 4 cm in length, 3 cm in width, and 2 cm in depth. The wound bed is 80% granulation tissue and 20% slough. Which type of dressing should the nurse use for this wound?

Correct answer: C) Alginate

Rationale: Alginate is a type of dressing that is derived from seaweed and forms a gel-like substance when in contact with wound exudate. It is highly absorbent and can handle moderate to large amounts of drainage. It also provides a moist wound environment and supports autolytic debridement of slough and eschar. It is suitable for wounds with depth, such as stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers.

Incorrect options:

A) Hydrocolloid - This is a type of dressing that has an adhesive outer layer and an inner layer that forms a gel when in contact with wound fluid. It is occlusive and waterproof and provides a moist wound environment. It is suitable for wounds with minimal to moderate drainage, such as stage 2 pressure ulcers or partial-thickness burns. It is not recommended for wounds with depth, as it may cause maceration of the surrounding skin.

B) Hydrogel - This is a type of dressing that consists of water or glycerin-based gels that are available in sheets, gauze, or impregnated into other types of dressings. It provides moisture to dry wounds and facilitates autolytic debridement. It is suitable for wounds with minimal drainage, such as stage 2 pressure ulcers or partial-thickness burns. It is not recommended for wounds with moderate to large amounts of drainage, as it may cause maceration or leakage.

D) Transparent film - This is a type of dressing that consists of a thin sheet of polyurethane with an adhesive coating that allows the exchange of oxygen and moisture vapor but not bacteria or water. It provides a moist wound environment and facilitates autolytic debridement. It is suitable for wounds with minimal drainage, such as stage 1 pressure ulcers or superficial abrasions. It is not recommended for wounds with depth or moderate to large amounts of drainage, as it may cause maceration or leakage.

Correct answer: A) Autograft

Rationale: An autograft is a type of skin graft that uses the client's own skin as the donor site. This is the preferred type of graft, as it has the lowest risk of rejection and infection, and provides the best cosmetic and functional results.

Incorrect options:

B) Allograft - This is a type of skin graft that uses human skin from a cadaver or a living donor as the donor site. This type of graft is used as a temporary measure to cover large wounds until an autograft is available.

C) Xenograft - This is a type of skin graft that uses animal skin, usually from pigs, as the donor site. This type of graft is also used as a temporary measure to protect wounds from infection and fluid loss until an autograft is available.

D) Mesh graft - This is a type of skin graft that involves making small slits in the donor skin to create a mesh-like pattern. This allows the graft to cover a larger area and conform to irregular surfaces. This type of graft can be either an autograft or an allograft.