Question

The surgical wound is considered sterile. To prevent the 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. (True/False)

Answer 1

The statement provided is false; the proper wound cleaning technique involves cleaning inward toward the wound from the surrounding cleaner skin, using clean gauze each time to maintain aseptic technique and prevent infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is false that when applying an antiseptic or cleaning a wound with soap and water, the nurse should wipe around the wound edge first and then clean outward and away from the wound. The correct procedure is to clean inward toward the wound site from the cleaner surrounding skin to minimize the risk of introducing additional bacteria into the wound. The nurse should indeed use clean gauze for each revolution to maintain aseptic technique and avoid contaminating the wound with microbes. This practice is essential for maintaining sterility in the wound environment and preventing potential sepsis, aligning with the principles established by Joseph Lister for reducing postsurgical infection through stringent cleanliness and the use of antiseptics.

It is also important to note that a variety of clinical protocols exist to maintain a sterile field and prevent contamination, which include the sterilization of equipment and adhering to strict hand hygiene practices as highlighted by health guidelines. These include immediate washing after contact with potentially infectious material and the use of appropriate sterilants and disinfectants to ensure an aseptic work environment.