In pressure ulcer management, which factor is most important in determining dressing selection?

• A. Wound depth and presence of necrosis
• B. Patient age
• C. Color of wound
• D. Type of hospital bed

Answer: (A)

Dressing selection hinges on the wound characteristics—especially depth and the presence of necrotic tissue. How deep the ulcer is tells you how much tissue is exposed and how much drainage and protection the dressing must provide. Necrosis indicates that dead tissue may need to be removed and that the dressing should support a moist healing environment while protecting viable tissue. When depth is greater or necrosis is present, you’ll choose dressings that manage drainage and support debridement; for minimal depth and no necrosis, simpler dressings that maintain moisture can work well. Other factors like patient age, the color of the wound, or the type of hospital bed do not determine dressing choice, though age can influence healing rate, color isn’t used to pick dressings, and bed type affects positioning rather than dressing properties.