Which of the following statements correctly matches common wound dressings to their primary indication?

• A. Hydrocolloid — moist environment for partial-thickness/necrotic wounds; Alginate — high exudate wounds; Foam — moderate to heavy exudate; Hydrogel — dry or painful wounds needing moisture; Transparent film — minimal exudate, allows visualization.
• B. Hydrocolloid — dry wounds needing moisture; Alginate — low exudate wounds; Foam — minimal exudate; Hydrogel — high exudate wounds; Transparent film — extensive drainage.
• C. Alginate — moist environment for partial-thickness wounds; Foam — high exudate wounds; Hydrogel — low exudate; Transparent film — absorbing drainage.
• D. Transparent film — moist environment for partial-thickness wounds; Hydrocolloid — high exudate wounds; Alginate — dry wounds; Foam — necrotic tissue debridement.

Answer: (B)

Moisture balance and exudate level drive dressing choices. Hydrocolloid dressings create a moist, occlusive environment that supports healing of partial-thickness wounds and can aid autolytic debridement of necrotic tissue. Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and gel in the wound, making them ideal for wounds with moderate to heavy exudate. Foam dressings are also good for moderate to heavy drainage, providing cushioning and ongoing absorption. Hydrogel dressings supply moisture to dry or painful wounds that need hydration. Transparent film dressings maintain a moist surface and allow wound visualization, best when exudate is minimal.

Thus, the best matching set aligns each dressing with its typical primary indication: hydrocolloid for a moist environment in partial-thickness/necrotic wounds, alginate for high exudate, foam for moderate to heavy exudate, hydrogel for dry or painful wounds needing moisture, and transparent film for wounds with minimal drainage that you want to observe without removing the dressing.