Which dressing is intended to interact with moisture to create a gel form?

The correct answer is hydrofiber dressing, which is designed to interact with wound exudate and transform into a gel form upon absorption. This gel gets formed due to the unique structure of the hydrofiber material, which is made from sodium carboxymethylcellulose. When the dressing comes in contact with moisture, it absorbs fluid and swells, thereby creating a moist gel environment that can promote granulation and epithelialization in the wound bed.

This gel formation helps provide several benefits, including maintaining a moist wound environment, which is essential in wound healing; providing cushioning to protect the wound from external trauma; and facilitating autolytic debridement. Hydrofiber dressings are particularly useful for highly exudative wounds, as they can manage moisture levels effectively while minimizing the risk of maceration to the surrounding skin.

Other dressings have different functionalities: for instance, foam dressings excel in absorbing exudate but do not form a gel; hydrogel dressings provide moisture without employing gel-forming capabilities as their main function; and textile dressings might offer basic coverage and support but lack the advanced moisture interaction that hydrofiber dressings provide.