A nurse is selecting dressings for a client who has a full-thickness pressure injury and is experiencing considerable pain during dressing changes, despite administration of the prescribed analgesic prior to wound care.
Which of the following types of dressings should the nurse select to help minimize the pain of dressing changes?

Choice A rationale:

Sharp debridement involves the use of a sharp instrument or heat to remove dead tissue, which is not achieved with a hydrocolloid dressing.

Choice B rationale:

Chemical debridement involves the use of chemicals to remove dead tissue, which is not the function of a hydrocolloid dressing.

Choice C rationale:

Enzymatic debridement involves the use of enzymes to soften and remove dead tissue, which is not the function of a hydrocolloid dressing.

Choice D rationale:

Autolytic debridement uses the body’s own enzymes and moisture to soften and remove dead tissue. A hydrocolloid dressing helps maintain a moist wound environment, promoting autolytic debridement.

Choice A rationale:

Leaving the reservoir until the end of the shift could lead to overfilling and ineffective drainage.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the drain is not within the nurse’s scope of practice and could lead to complications.

Choice C rationale:

Emptying the reservoir ensures effective drainage and allows for accurate measurement of output.

Choice D rationale:

Notifying the surgeon about the blood loss may be necessary if the amount is significant, but it is not the immediate action.