A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis and a chronic nonhealing wound. The nurse should recognize that which of the following types of medications is known to delay wound healing?

Choice A rationale
Applying hydrocolloids to the wound bed is not a form of mechanical debridement. Hydrocolloids are dressings that provide a moist environment and promote autolytic debridement but do not mechanically remove necrotic tissue.

Choice B rationale
Pulsating lavage is a form of mechanical debridement. It involves the use of a pressurized, pulsed solution to cleanse and remove debris and necrotic tissue from the wound bed, which is essential for the healing process of a stage 4 pressure injury.

Choice C rationale
Using a topical enzyme solution in the wound bed is a chemical, not mechanical, method of debridement. Enzymatic debridement uses proteolytic enzymes to break down necrotic tissue without affecting viable tissue.

Choice D rationale
Placing a transparent dressing over the pressure injury is not a form of debridement. Transparent dressings allow for oxygen exchange and protect the wound from infection, but they do not debride the wound.

Choice A rationale
Abdominal pads are generally used for absorption and are not specifically designed to minimize pain during dressing changes.

Choice B rationale
Hydrogel dressings provide moisture to the wound, which can facilitate autolytic debridement and reduce pain during dressing changes. They are cooling and soothing, which can be comfortable for the patient.

Choice C rationale
Wet-to-dry dressings are used for mechanical debridement and can be painful when removed, as they may adhere to the wound bed and pull on new tissue.

Choice D rationale
Dry gauze can adhere to the wound and cause pain upon removal, similar to wet-to-dry dressings, and is not the best choice for minimizing pain.