Which of the following dressing types is most appropriate for the nurses to apply to a small skin tear in an older adult client?

A. Paste: Paste dressings are typically used for chronic wounds or those requiring a moisture-retentive barrier. They are not ideal for fragile or superficial wounds like skin tears, as they may be too occlusive or difficult to remove without trauma. B. Moist, sterile gauze: While moisture helps promote healing, moist gauze can adhere to the wound bed as it dries, causing pain and damage upon removal—especially problematic for older adults with delicate skin. C. Nonadherent dressing: Nonadherent dressings are ideal for small skin tears because they protect the wound while preventing further trauma to fragile skin during dressing changes. They promote healing in a moist environment and reduce discomfort. D. Duoderm: Duoderm is a hydrocolloid dressing that is better suited for partial- or full-thickness wounds with light to moderate exudate. It can be too adhesive and difficult to remove from fragile, torn skin, making it less appropriate for small skin tears.