Question

The surgical wound is considered sterile. To prevent entry of microorganisms into the wound, the nurse should always clean outward from a wound site. When applying an antiseptic or cleaning with soap and water, the nurse should wipe around the wound edge first and then clean outward and away from the wound. The nurse should use clean gauze for each revolution around the circumference of the wound.

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

The statement is FALSE. The correct practice is to clean a surgical wound from the inside out to avoid contaminating the wound with microorganisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement provided is FALSE. When cleaning or applying antiseptic to a surgical wound, the recommended protocol is to start at the wound site and then clean outward. This is because starting at the edges of the wound and moving inward could potentially drag microorganisms into the sterile wound area. The aseptic technique is crucial in this process. By cleaning from the inside out and using clean gauze for each revolution, the nurse minimizes the risk of infecting the wound. Proper aseptic technique involves protocols to maintain sterility and prevent contamination which is essential in preventing postoperative infections and ensuring the patient's safety. The nurse should also adhere to strict handwashing and sanitization protocols before and after the procedure, following evidence-based practices established to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the wound.