Which dressing is appropriate for a heavily draining wound?

• A. Single-layer gauze
• B. Moisture-retentive hydrogel
• C. Three-layer dressing (inner non-adherent; intermediate absorbs exudates; outer layer accommodates swelling and binds layers)
• D. Transparent film

Answer: (C)

A dressing for a heavily draining wound must manage a lot of exudate while protecting the wound bed. A three-layer dressing is ideal because each layer plays a distinct, complementary role: an inner non-adherent layer sits directly on the wound to prevent sticking and pain during dressing changes; a middle absorbent layer soaks up drainage and keeps it away from the wound bed; an outer layer provides protection, accommodates swelling, and holds the structure together so the dressing won’t collapse or leak. This design reduces the risk of maceration of the surrounding skin and allows longer intervals between changes.

Single-layer gauze tends to shed fluid slowly and can stick to the wound, leading to more frequent changes and potential trauma. A moisture-retentive hydrogel adds moisture rather than absorbing heavy drainage, making it unsuitable for heavily draining wounds. Transparent film is not absorbent and can trap drainage under the dressing, increasing the risk of maceration and frequent changes.