NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareEasy
A medical assistant is providing wound care instructions to a patient with a clean surgical incision. Which of the following instructions is most important to prevent infection?
- AChange the dressing daily, regardless of its condition.
- BKeep the wound moist by applying petroleum jelly.
- CApply an antibiotic ointment directly to the incision.
- DWash hands thoroughly before and after touching the wound or dressing.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching the wound or dressing.
Thorough hand washing before and after touching a wound or dressing is the single most critical step in preventing the introduction of microorganisms and subsequent infection.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Dressing change frequency depends on the type of dressing and wound status; daily changes are not always necessary or beneficial.
- B. Keeping a clean surgical wound overly moist can promote bacterial growth and maceration; often, keeping it clean and dry is preferred initially.
- C. Antibiotic ointments are not routinely recommended for clean surgical incisions unless prescribed, as they can sometimes irritate or delay healing.
Surgical Wound Care - Infection Prevention
Practices and instructions given to patients to minimize the risk of infection in a clean surgical incision.
- Strict hand hygiene is crucial.
- Keep wound clean and dry (unless otherwise instructed).
- Observe for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge).
- Follow specific dressing change instructions.
Memory trick: Hands Clean, Wound Keen!