NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is performing a wound irrigation for a patient with a contaminated wound. Which of the following solutions is most commonly used for this procedure?
- AIsopropyl alcohol
- BHydrogen peroxide
- CPovidone-iodine
- DSterile normal saline
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Sterile normal saline
Sterile normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the most commonly used and safest solution for wound irrigation because it is isotonic, non-toxic to tissues, and effectively removes debris without damaging healthy cells.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Isopropyl alcohol is a disinfectant, not suitable for open wound irrigation as it is highly irritating and cytotoxic.
- B. Hydrogen peroxide can be cytotoxic to healthy tissue and is generally not recommended for routine wound irrigation.
- C. Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic but can be irritating and cytotoxic to fibroblasts, hindering wound healing, so it's not ideal for routine irrigation.
Wound Irrigation Solutions
Liquids used to cleanse wounds by flushing away debris, bacteria, and exudate to promote healing.
- Sterile normal saline is the gold standard.
- Solutions should be non-cytotoxic.
- Pressure of irrigation is also important.
Memory trick: Saline: Safe and Squeaky Clean!