What is the recommended way to remove a wound dressing?

The recommended way to remove a wound dressing is from clean area to contaminated area. This technique is crucial in preventing the spread of bacteria and reducing the risk of infection. When a dressing is removed, it is essential to start from the least contaminated area—typically the edges of the dressing—and move toward the more contaminated area, which is usually the center.

By following this method, the potential pathogens that may be present on the dressing or the underlying wound do not come into contact with clean skin or surrounding tissue, thereby protecting it from possible infection. This approach also allows for a more controlled removal, which can minimize discomfort for the patient.

The other options presented do not align with the best practices for infection control and wound care. For example, removing from contaminated to clean areas could inadvertently introduce pathogens into areas that are otherwise clean. Similarly, the suggestion to remove from top to bottom does not consider the contamination levels and may not effectively mitigate infection risk. Rinsing the dressing with saline first may not be necessary and could potentially complicate the removal process.