A group of nurses is receiving continuing education about wound care. The wound care nurse teaching the class asks, "Which agent would be most appropriate for cleansing open wounds and loosening debris?"
The correct answer, provided by the class, is
a. hydrogen peroxide and saline.
b. thimerosal.
c. hexachlorophene.
d. benzalkonium chloride.
ANS: A
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent disinfectant and sterilizing agent. It loosens wound debris and facilitates cleansing because of the liberation of oxygen, which leads to a frothing action in the wound.
Thimerosal has only weak bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties and is reduced in the presence of blood and tissue proteins, therefore it would not be appropriate for cleansing an open wound.
Hexachlorophene has little or no effect on gram-negative bacteria and actually encourages overgrowth with gram-negative organisms. It is not used in the clinical setting.
Benzalkonium chloride is used preoperatively as a surgical scrub, and concentrated solutions can cause severe local injury, especially in open wounds.
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