Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Wound irrigation is the mechanical flushing of debris, bacteria, and exudate from an open wound using pressurized fluid to reduce infection risk and promote healing. The process works through both mechanical and dilutional mechanisms: fluid pressure dislodges adherent debris and bacteria while diluting the microbial load below the infectious threshold. The optimal irrigation pressure is 4-15 psi, achieved with a 35 mL syringe and 19-gauge angiocatheter, which provides sufficient force to remove contaminants without driving bacteria deeper into tissue or damaging granulation tissue. Wounds sustained in outdoor environments have increased contamination risk including Clostridium tetani, necessitating tetanus vaccination assessment. The nurse performs wound irrigation using sterile technique, documents wound characteristics, and reports findings to the nursing team.