Which sequence correctly describes key steps in performing a clean wound care procedure?

• A. Hand hygiene, clean the area, don sterile gloves, cleanse wound from clean to dirty, apply dressing using clean technique
• B. Hand hygiene, clean the area, cleanse wound from clean to dirty, don sterile gloves, apply dressing using clean technique
• C. Hand hygiene, clean the area, don sterile gloves, cleanse wound from clean to dirty, apply dressing using clean technique
• D. Hand hygiene, cleanse wound from clean to dirty, clean the area, don sterile gloves, apply dressing using clean technique

Answer: (C)

The sequence hinges on maintaining a sterile field and moving from least contaminated to most contaminated areas. Start with hand hygiene to remove surface microbes. Then clean the surrounding area to reduce nearby contaminants before touching the wound. Don sterile gloves to handle the wound and sterile supplies so you don’t transfer organisms from non-sterile surfaces. With sterile gloves on, cleanse the wound from a clean area toward a dirtier area, moving from least contaminated to most contaminated to avoid pushing debris into the wound. Finally, apply the dressing using clean technique to prevent recontamination of both wound and dressing. This order protects against infection by preserving sterility and minimizing the spread of microbes throughout the procedure.