Question

A physician orders a wound irrigation to apply local antiseptics to a patient's wound. Which of the following is a guideline for performing this procedure?

A) Use sterile technique for all wound irrigations, whether the wound is open or closed.
B) Clean technique can be used for open wounds, but sterile technique should be used for closed wounds.
C) Always use clean technique regardless of the wound type.
D) Sterile or clean technique can be used interchangeably; it does not affect the procedure's outcome.

Answer 1

The correct guideline for wound irrigation is to use a clean technique for open wounds and sterile technique for closed wounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is B) Clean technique can be used for open wounds, but sterile technique should be used for closed wounds.

Wound irrigation involves the use of fluid to clean a wound and remove debris or bacteria. It is an important procedure for preventing infection and promoting wound healing. The type of technique used (sterile or clean) depends on whether the wound is open or closed.

For open wounds, clean technique can be used, which involves using clean, non-sterile gloves and clean water or an antiseptic solution to irrigate the wound. This helps remove bacteria and debris from the wound.

For closed wounds, sterile technique should be used, which involves using sterile gloves and a sterile solution to irrigate the wound. This is because closed wounds have a greater risk of infection, as there is no direct exposure to the outside environment.