Wound Irrigation

Wound irrigation is controlled lavage. The fluid loosens blood, exudate, loose necrotic material, and surface microorganisms so they can leave the wound rather than remain in contact with viable tissue. Irrigation reduces surface contamination; it does not sterilize a wound, remove firmly adherent necrosis, or replace debridement, antimicrobial treatment, or source control when those are indicated. The nurse is balancing two risks. Insufficient flow leaves debris behind. Excessive or poorly directed flow can disrupt granulation tissue, cause bleeding, increase pain, or drive contaminated fluid into tissue planes. The therapeutic pressure range is 8 to 15 psi, approximately 55 to 105 kPa: enough to dislodge material without traumatising the wound bed. A wound that looks cleaner after irrigation is not automatically healing. The tissue colour, depth, drainage, periwound skin, pain pattern, and change over time still determine whether the wound is progressing or requires reassessment.