During wound irrigation, which flushing direction is correct?

• A. Flush from the center of wound outward.
• B. Flush from outside toward the center.
• C. Flush in any direction.
• D. Do not flush.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to move contaminants away from the wound bed by directing the irrigation flow outward from the center. By flushing from the center toward the surrounding skin, debris and bacteria are expelled away from the wound rather than pushed deeper into tissue. Using a gentle, controlled stream of sterile saline helps remove debris without causing tissue damage. Flushing from outside toward the center would tend to drive contaminants into the wound and increase infection risk. Flushing in any direction isn’t reliably effective for cleansing, and not flushing at all leaves debris behind, raising infection risk. So directing the flow from the center outward is the safest and most effective approach.