Final answer:
Performing careful hand hygiene is the most effective action to prevent a wound infection in a patient with a nonhealing surgical wound, drawing upon historical and clinical practices that emphasize its importance in reducing infection risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective nursing action in preventing a wound infection for a patient with a nonhealing surgical wound is performing careful hand hygiene. Hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infections, particularly in a healthcare setting. Clinical evidence has demonstrated that handwashing can effectively reduce the presence of microorganisms that can cause infections. In addition to hand hygiene, using aseptic techniques and maintaining a sterile field during medical procedures are vital practices to prevent sepsis and other infections related to medical devices. Moreover, the history of medicine shows that figures like Joseph Lister advanced the field significantly by insisting on handwashing and cleanliness to prevent postsurgical infections.
While using sterile dressing supplies, suggesting dietary supplements, and applying antibiotic ointment can contribute to wound care, these actions are secondary to the fundamental practice of rigorous hand hygiene for infection prevention. This is especially important with the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which complicates the treatment of wound infections and makes prevention even more crucial.