The nurse is cleansing a wound site. As the nurse administers the procedure, which intervention should be included?

A) Allow the solution to flow from the most contaminated to the least contaminated.
B) Scrub vigorously when applying noncytotoxic solution to the skin.
C) Cleanse in a direction from the least contaminated area.
D) Utilize clean gauze and clean gloves to cleanse a site.

Cleanse in a direction from the least contaminated area, such as from the wound or incision, to the surrounding skin. While cleansing surgical or traumatic wounds by applying noncytotoxic solution with sterile gauze or by irrigations is correct, vigorous scrubbing is inappropriate and can cause damage to the skin. Use gentle friction when applying solutions to the skin, and allow irrigation to flow from the least to the most contaminated area.