Which of the following demonstrates effective infection control during wound care?

The option that demonstrates effective infection control during wound care is the practice of cleaning the wound with sterile tools and techniques. This approach is essential in preventing infection, as using sterile equipment minimizes the risk of introducing microorganisms into the wound. Sterile techniques ensure that the tools and the surrounding area are free from contaminants, which is critical in maintaining the integrity of the wound and promoting proper healing.

In wound care, the use of sterile instruments avoids the possibility of cross-contamination from non-sterile objects or surfaces. Additionally, appropriate hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, further enhance the safety of the procedure.

While other practices are important as well, they do not adequately align with the principles of effective infection control. For example, wearing gloves only during cleaning (instead of throughout the entire wound care process) does not provide comprehensive protection from potential contaminants. Using antiseptics on non-sterile dressings may not be effective, as the dressing itself can still harbor bacteria. Lastly, changing dressings only when they are wet or soiled can neglect the need for timely dressing changes based on the wound's condition, potentially leading to increased infection risk.