Which wound characteristic is MOST consistent with an arterial ulcer?

An arterial ulcer is commonly associated with compromised blood flow due to arterial insufficiency, leading to characteristic wound features. The presence of dry, necrotic tissue is highly indicative of an arterial ulcer because reduced blood supply hampers the healing process, resulting in tissue death. In contrast, the wound’s lack of adequate blood flow causes it to have a dry appearance, often with a classic presentation of a defined, pale base.

This characteristic stands out against the other options. For example, a moderate amount of exudate typically indicates a venous ulcer, where fluid accumulation occurs due to fluid overload and higher venous pressure. A wound that is round with an elevated rim is more characteristic of a a different pathology and not specific to arterial ulcers. Lastly, a red wound base with irregular edges might suggest a more actively healing wound or one with a different etiology, such as inflammation or infection, rather than the necrotic features present in arterial ulcers. Thus, the presence of dry, necrotic tissue fits best with the signature features of arterial ulcers.