Question

Which action would minimize the risk for cross-contamination while cleansing an infected abdominal surgical wound?

A. Cleansing the wound with sterile water
B. Blotting the incision with dry gauze
C. Wearing sterile gloves to cleanse the wound
D. Using a new gauze pad for each stroke while cleansing the wound

Answer 1

Using a new gauze pad for each stroke when cleansing an infected surgical wound minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and is crucial for maintaining aseptic technique.

Step-by-step explanation:

To minimize the risk for cross-contamination while cleansing an infected abdominal surgical wound, the most effective action would be D. Using a new gauze pad for each stroke while cleansing the wound. This technique ensures that microbes are not transferred from one area of the wound to another, which could potentially worsen the infection or slow the healing process. As part of maintaining aseptic technique, it is also essential to wear sterile gloves while performing the wound cleansing to prevent the introduction of new microbes from the hands. It is recognized from the teachings of Joseph Lister that maintaining sterility and using antiseptic practices in surgical environments dramatically reduce the incidence of postsurgical wound infections.