Why is sterile technique important during wound dressing changes?

• A. To speed dressing changes.
• B. To prevent introducing pathogens and infection to the wound.
• C. To reduce the cost of supplies.
• D. To improve patient comfort during dressing changes.

Answer: (B)

Sterile technique is essential because an open wound is highly susceptible to infection if microbes are introduced during dressing changes. By maintaining a sterile field—hand hygiene, sterile gloves, sterile dressings, and sterile instruments while keeping non-sterile surfaces away from the wound—you minimize the chance that bacteria or fungi from hands, the environment, or supplies enter the wound. Infection can slow healing, increase pain and drainage, cause cellulitis or systemic illness, and may lead to longer hospital stays or more procedures. Keeping the wound free of pathogens is the primary goal, and while a cleaner wound can feel more comfortable and heal better, sterile technique directly targets preventing infection rather than speed or cost.