What are basic wound care steps for a clean, minor wound?

• A. Apply alcohol directly, sterilize with bleach, and cover with bandage.
• B. Rinse with clean water, apply a sterile dressing, monitor for infection, seek care if signs worsen.
• C. Leave open to air without dressing.
• D. Delay cleaning until symptoms worsen.

Answer: (B)

For a clean, minor wound, the main idea is to clean gently, protect the area, and watch for signs of infection. Rinsing with clean water helps remove dirt and debris without irritating tissue. Applying a sterile dressing protects the wound from germs and keeps it moist enough to heal. It’s important to monitor for infection—look for growing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever—and seek care if these signs appear or if the wound is large, deep, or caused by a dirty object. Harsh substances like alcohol or bleach can injure tissue and slow healing, leaving the wound more vulnerable. Leaving the wound open or delaying cleaning increases infection risk.