Which wound cleansing method reduces infection risk?

• A. Irrigating with sterile saline
• B. Using plain water
• C. Applying iodine directly on wound
• D. Using hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (A)

The main idea is choosing a wound-cleaning method that removes dirt and bacteria without harming healing tissue. Irrigating with sterile saline does exactly that: it is sterile and isotonic, so it effectively flushes out debris and microbes while being gentle on cells. This helps reduce infection risk because you’re cleaning the wound without introducing contaminants or causing tissue damage that could harbor bacteria.

Plain water can rinse away some debris, but it isn’t guaranteed to be sterile and isn’t as controlled for ongoing cleansing. Applying iodine directly to the wound can be irritating and cytotoxic, potentially delaying healing. Hydrogen peroxide can also damage healthy tissue and impede recovery. In terms of lowering infection risk through cleansing, sterile saline irrigation offers the safest and most tissue-friendly option.