In order to maintain proper wound care, what is an important step to prevent infection?

Cleaning the wound with soap and water before dressing is essential in preventing infection because it removes dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that may be present at the wound site. This step is critical to creating a clean environment for healing and minimizing the risk of introducing pathogens into the wound, which could lead to an infection.

Using antiseptic wipes may also seem beneficial, but they don’t effectively remove dirt and debris the way soap and water do. Additionally, changing the dressing without gloves can introduce harmful germs and bacteria, compromising wound integrity and increasing infection risk. Ensuring the wound is exposed to air may not necessarily aid in prevention and, for many types of wounds, could actually lead to higher risks of infection or delayed healing. Therefore, the proper cleaning of the wound with soap and water is the most effective step prior to dressing to ensure optimal wound care and infection prevention.