Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

For a full-thickness ulcer with heavy exudate, which wound care product is the most effective?

1. Alginate

2. Hydrogel

3. Hydrocolloid

4. Gauze dressing

The correct answer is: Alginate

In the context of managing a full-thickness ulcer, particularly one characterized by heavy exudate, the use of alginate dressings is particularly effective due to their ability to absorb large amounts of fluid. Alginates are made from seaweed and are designed to create a gel-like substance when in contact with exudate, which helps to maintain a moist wound environment. This not only aids in promoting healing but also minimizes the risk of infection by effectively managing excess fluid. The absorbent properties of alginates make them suitable for wounds with heavy drainage since they can prevent maceration of the surrounding skin and effectively manage moisture levels. Additionally, their capacity to form a gel helps in providing a scaffold for cellular migration, which is essential for wound healing. In contrast, hydrogel products are primarily used for wounds that are dry or have minimal exudate, as they provide moisture rather than absorb it. Hydrocolloids also serve differently; they are used for low to moderate exuding wounds and do not have the same level of absorption as alginates. Gauze dressings are versatile but typically require frequent changes and can lead to increased pain upon removal, which may not be ideal for extensive or heavily exudative wounds. Thus,