Final answer:
The true statement is that heating povidone-iodine may decrease its effectiveness as it's an iodophor and an effective antiseptic that releases iodine to oxidize cellular components.
Step-by-step explanation:
The true statement among the options provided is D) Heating povidone-iodine may decrease its effectiveness. Povidone-iodine is an iodophor, which is an effective antiseptic commonly used in medical settings. Iodophors like povidone-iodine work by slowly releasing iodine, which then oxidizes cellular components causing cell damage and death.
Options A and B are incorrect because povidone-iodine can be irritating to the skin, and its mechanism of action involves oxidizing cellular components, not simply disrupting the cell membrane. Option C is incorrect because povidone-iodine can be used on mucous membranes, although with precautions due to its potential irritant nature.