A nursing home wound initially showed signs of infection and was yellow with medium exudate. After antibiotics, the wound becomes pink but still has medium exudate. Which dressing type is most appropriate for this wound?

• A. A soft polymer dressing
• B. A gauze pad with antiseptic solution
• C. Hydrogel dressing
• D. Alginate dressing with high absorption

Answer: (A)

When a wound has progressed to a pink, granulating bed with moderate exudate, the goal is to maintain a moist but balanced environment that protects the new tissue and minimizes damage on dressing changes. A soft polymer dressing provides that balance: it is gentle and non-adherent to the wound bed, reducing trauma during changes, yet still helps manage moisture and some exudate. It keeps the wound moist enough to support healing without drying it out or causing maceration of surrounding skin, and is straightforward to use in a nursing-home setting.

Gauze with antiseptic can be drying and cytotoxic to healing tissue, which is not ideal for a healing wound. A hydrogel keeps moisture but may not effectively manage ongoing exudate. An alginate with high absorption is better for heavily exudating or infected wounds and can be more difficult to manage in a stable, moderately exudating wound like this.