What fluid is recommended to rinse contaminated wounds?

• A. Sterile saline
• B. Hydrogen peroxide
• C. Alcohol
• D. Tap water

Answer: (A)

When cleansing a contaminated wound, you want a fluid that washes out debris without damaging healthy tissue. Sterile saline fits that role because it is isotonic with body fluids, so it won’t cause osmotic injury to cells, and it’s sterile to avoid introducing pathogens. This makes it gentle enough for repeated irrigation while still effectively flushing dirt and microbes from the wound, supporting faster and cleaner healing.

Hydrogen peroxide may kill bacteria, but it also disrupts healthy cells and can delay healing when used for wound irrigation. Alcohol is drying and cytotoxic to tissue, which harms healing rather than helping it. Tap water can be used in a pinch, but its purity and mineral content vary, and contaminants or chlorine may irritate the wound; sterile saline remains the safer, more reliable choice for initial wound rinse.