Which dressing is most appropriate for absorbing moderate to heavy exudate from a pressure ulcer?

• A. Gauze
• B. Adherent film
• C. Calcium alginate
• D. Hydrogel

Answer: (C)

The main idea is matching dressing properties to how much drainage the wound produces. For a pressure ulcer with moderate to heavy exudate, you need a dressing that can absorb a lot of fluid while staying moist and protecting surrounding skin. Calcium alginate does this well: it’s highly absorptive and, when it contacts wound fluid, it forms a soft gel that traps the exudate. This gel helps maintain a moist environment that supports healing, adapts to the wound bed, and is non-adherent to tissue, which makes dressing changes less painful. The calcium ions can also aid in hemostasis if minor bleeding is present.

Gauze alone tends to dry out or stick to the wound and doesn’t manage heavy drainage as effectively. An adherent film acts as a moisture barrier, not a primary absorber, so it isn’t ideal for heavy exudate. A hydrogel adds moisture and is better for dry or minimally exudating wounds, not for heavy drainage.