NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareHard
A medical assistant is performing wound care on a patient with a contaminated wound. Which of the following solutions is most appropriate for irrigating the wound?
- ANormal saline
- BRubbing alcohol
- CPovidone-iodine
- DHydrogen peroxide
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Normal saline
Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the most appropriate solution for irrigating most wounds, especially contaminated ones. It is isotonic, non-toxic to healthy tissue, and effectively cleanses debris and bacteria without causing cellular damage or irritation, unlike other options.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Rubbing alcohol is highly irritating and cytotoxic, causing significant tissue damage and pain; it should never be used for wound irrigation.
- C. Povidone-iodine (Betadine) is an antiseptic that can be irritating and cytotoxic to tissues, and its use for routine wound irrigation is discouraged as it can impede healing.
- D. Hydrogen peroxide is cytotoxic, meaning it can damage healthy cells and impair wound healing, so it's generally not recommended for wound irrigation.
Wound Irrigation Solutions
Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the preferred solution for irrigating most wounds due to its isotonic nature, non-toxicity to tissues, and effectiveness in cleansing without causing damage.
- Normal saline is preferred.
- Isotonic and non-toxic.
- Avoid cytotoxic solutions like hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
Memory trick: Saline's Safe, Others Are Harsh for Wound's Path.