For a patient with a non-healing wound, what is essential to prevent infection?

• A. Aseptic technique in wound care, sterile dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection
• B. Only clean with soap and water
• C. Use non-sterile dressings
• D. Avoid dressing changes

Answer: (A)

Preventing infection in a non-healing wound hinges on keeping the wound environment as clean and sterile as possible through proper wound care. Using aseptic technique during every care session means meticulous hand hygiene, sterile gloves and instruments, and avoiding contact with the wound with non-sterile items. Sterile dressings create a protective barrier and help maintain a clean, moist environment that supports healing. Regularly monitoring for signs of infection—redness, warmth, swelling, increasing pain, new purulent drainage, foul odor, or fever—allows early intervention if infection begins.

Cleaning with soap and water helps with general cleanliness but does not guarantee sterility or prevent contamination over time. Non-sterile dressings can introduce pathogens, and avoiding dressing changes leaves the wound exposed to contaminants and moisture imbalances. Therefore, combining aseptic technique, sterile dressings, and ongoing infection surveillance is essential to prevent infection.