Which sequence describes proper wound care steps?

Which sequence describes proper wound care steps?

• A. Scrub wound vigorously; apply dressing
• B. Irrigate with hot water
• C. Control bleeding; irrigate with clean, room-temperature water; never use hydrogen peroxide or scrub; apply dressing and bandage
• D. Clean wound with hydrogen peroxide and scrub; then apply bandage

Answer: (C)

Proper wound care starts with stopping any bleeding, then cleaning the wound gently with clean, room-temperature water, avoiding harsh scrubbing or cytotoxic cleaners, and finishing with a protective dressing. Bleeding should be controlled with direct, gentle pressure until it slows or stops. Once bleeding is under control, flush the wound with clean, room-temperature water or saline to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using hot water, which can tissue damage, and avoid scrubbing the wound as it harms tissue and impairs healing. Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for routine wound cleaning because it can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. After cleaning, apply a clean dressing or bandage to protect the area and maintain a proper environment for healing. The other options stray from these principles: vigorous scrubbing can worsen tissue damage; hot water can burn tissue; and cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing uses cytotoxic agents and mechanical irritation, which is not best practice for simple wound care.

Proper wound care starts with stopping any bleeding, then cleaning the wound gently with clean, room-temperature water, avoiding harsh scrubbing or cytotoxic cleaners, and finishing with a protective dressing.

Bleeding should be controlled with direct, gentle pressure until it slows or stops. Once bleeding is under control, flush the wound with clean, room-temperature water or saline to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using hot water, which can tissue damage, and avoid scrubbing the wound as it harms tissue and impairs healing. Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended for routine wound cleaning because it can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. After cleaning, apply a clean dressing or bandage to protect the area and maintain a proper environment for healing.

The other options stray from these principles: vigorous scrubbing can worsen tissue damage; hot water can burn tissue; and cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and scrubbing uses cytotoxic agents and mechanical irritation, which is not best practice for simple wound care.