What is the first step in preventing infection during wound care?

• A. Using sterile gloves
• B. Cleaning with antibiotic ointment
• C. Covering with dressing
• D. Hand hygiene

Answer: (D)

Hand hygiene is the first step because hands are the main channel through which bacteria reach a wound. Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer before touching the wound or supplies dramatically reduces the risk of introducing infection to the patient. After hand hygiene, barrier protection like gloves can be used, but clean hands lay the foundation for safe wound care. Wound cleansing, appropriate topical treatments, and dressing come next, but they work best after ensuring hands are clean to prevent contaminating the wound from the start.