The nurse is aware that the best way to prevent postoperative wound infection in the surgical client is to:
A. Administer a prescribed antibiotic
B. Wash her hands for 2 minutes before care
C. Wear a mask when providing care
D. Ask the client to cover her mouth when she coughs
Correct Answer: B. Wash her hands for 2 minutes before care
The best way to prevent postoperative wound infection is hand washing. Up to 60% of SSI can be prevented. Prevention of postoperative wound infection is done by good general hygiene, operative sterility and effective barriers against transmission of infections, before, during and after surgery.
Option A: Use of prescribed antibiotics will treat infection, not prevent infections. The prophylaxis should only cover the current operating time and start at the beginning of anaesthesia (1A). The prophylaxis should reach high enough tissue doses before incision (1A). Short half-life preparations (e.g. cefalotin) must be followed up with a new dose if prolonged operating time.
Option C: Perform good hand hygiene throughout your stay. If bedridden, ask for wipes for hand disinfection. Ask visitors to carry out hand hygiene on arrival and when they leave the hospital. Ask health professionals to carry out hand hygiene if this fails—before and after your examination.
Option D: Asking the client to cover her mouth are good practices but will not prevent wound infections. Ensure the eradication of infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and other local infections prior to admission. Check the dental status, especially before larger elective interventions with implants and the like. Postpone surgery, if possible, until the infection is cleared.