In wound color coding, which colors indicate bad prognosis?

In wound color coding, which colors indicate bad prognosis?

• A. Red
• B. Yellow and Black
• C. White
• D. Green

Answer: (B)

In wound assessment, the color of the wound bed reflects tissue viability and healing potential. Yellow at the base usually means slough—dead tissue and exudate that prevent proper contact between granulation tissue and the wound surface. Black indicates eschar—dry, necrotic tissue that acts as a barrier to healing and often requires debridement to allow the wound to progress. When non-viable tissue (yellow and black) is present, the wound is less able to heal on its own, signaling a poorer prognosis. In contrast, red tissue signals healthy granulation and good blood supply, which supports healing. Green is typically associated with infection or overgrowth factors that complicate healing, but the key prognostic sign about tissue viability in this color-coding scheme is the presence of yellow and black.

In wound assessment, the color of the wound bed reflects tissue viability and healing potential. Yellow at the base usually means slough—dead tissue and exudate that prevent proper contact between granulation tissue and the wound surface. Black indicates eschar—dry, necrotic tissue that acts as a barrier to healing and often requires debridement to allow the wound to progress. When non-viable tissue (yellow and black) is present, the wound is less able to heal on its own, signaling a poorer prognosis.

In contrast, red tissue signals healthy granulation and good blood supply, which supports healing. Green is typically associated with infection or overgrowth factors that complicate healing, but the key prognostic sign about tissue viability in this color-coding scheme is the presence of yellow and black.