Which statement best describes a key practice to prevent postoperative wound infection?

• A. Use non-sterile technique with quick closure
• B. Delay prophylactic antibiotics until after infection develops
• C. Proper wound closure with sterile technique and adequate skin prep
• D. Skip dressing changes to save time

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a clean, sterile field and preparing the skin properly before closing the wound is foundational to preventing infection after surgery. Using sterile technique means hand antisepsis, sterile gloves, gowns, drapes, and instruments so microbes aren’t introduced into the wound. Adequate skin preparation reduces the bacteria on the skin surface around the incision, lowering the chance that contaminants will enter the wound. When the wound is closed with proper tissue handling and minimal tension, the barrier against infection is preserved and healing proceeds more smoothly, further reducing infection risk.

Choosing a non-sterile approach with quick closure would raise the infection risk because the sterile barrier isn’t maintained. Delaying prophylactic antibiotics until after infection develops misses the preventive window—preoperative antibiotics are most effective when given before incision. Skipping dressing changes deprives the wound of needed protection and monitoring, allowing contaminants to reach the incision and hindering drainage management.