The nurse is alert to the indication of possible dehiscence of an abdominal surgical wound, which would be evidenced by:

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:

Stage 1 pressure ulcers are characterized by intact skin with non-blanchable redness of a localized area usually over a bony prominence.

Choice B rationale:

Stage 3 pressure ulcers involve full thickness tissue loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but bone, tendon, or muscle are not exposed.

Choice C rationale:

Stage 2 pressure ulcers involve partial thickness loss of dermis presenting as a shallow open ulcer with a red pink wound bed, without slough.

Choice D rationale:

Stage 4 pressure ulcers involve full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. Slough or eschar may be present on some parts of the wound bed.