Which discharge instruction helps prevent infection?

Washing hands before and after touching the incision is a critical practice for preventing infection. This instruction highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene, especially in the context of surgical or open wounds. Effective handwashing minimizes the transfer of bacteria and other pathogens from the hands to the surgical site, which can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative infections.

By promoting this practice, patients can take an active role in their own care, ensuring that areas prone to infection are handled with clean hands. Infections can lead to complications, longer recovery times, and increased healthcare costs, so prioritizing this simple yet powerful action is essential for patient safety and overall health.

The other instructions do not directly address the importance of hand hygiene in infection control. Limiting activity and refraining from showering might prevent strain on the healing area but do not contribute to minimizing infection risk as effectively as handwashing does. Similarly, avoiding washing hands after touching wounds significantly increases the risk of introducing pathogens into vulnerable areas.