Which action is appropriate when cleaning the area around a drain site?

• A. Reuse gauze to clean across the site
• B. Clean from the drain site to the surrounding skin
• C. Use hard friction when applying solutions locally to the skin
• D. After applying a solution to sterile gauze, clean away from the wound

Answer: (B)

Cleaning around a drain site works best when you move from the drain site outward to the surrounding skin. This center-to-periphery approach keeps microorganisms on the outer skin from being dragged into the drain area, reducing the risk of contamination where the drain exits. Use fresh sterile gauze for each stroke and apply the cleansing solution to the gauze rather than directly onto the skin to prevent pooling near the wound. Gentle, nonabrasive strokes are important to protect the skin; avoid hard friction that can irritate or injure tissue. Reusing gauze can spread contaminants, so fresh material is preferred.