Which statement is true regarding cleansing a wound?

• A. Irrigation pressure should range between 4 and 15 psi
• B. Showering should be avoided for postoperative incisions
• C. Tap water should be avoided in all wound cleansing
• D. Antiseptics should be used without caution as they are always safe

Answer: (A)

Cleansing a wound effectively hinges on controlled irrigation that removes debris without injuring tissue. The range of 4–15 psi provides the balance: enough force to flush out contaminants and loosening debris, while staying gentle enough to avoid tissue damage, pain, or forcing bacteria deeper into the wound. If the pressure is too high, you can disrupt healing, cause tissue trauma, and potentially spread bacteria; if it’s too low, debris and bacteria may remain, hindering healing. In practice, use sterile saline with a device that delivers a steady, low-pressure jet to gently irrigate. Showering after surgery isn’t universally prohibited and depends on healing status and wound closure; tap water is acceptable for cleansing in many cases, but antiseptics must be used with caution since they can irritate or delay healing.