Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

Normal saline or sterile water is widely used for wound cleansing due to its safety and effectiveness in promoting wound healing. These solutions are isotonic, meaning they do not disrupt the natural balance of fluids in the body or cause irritation, making them gentle on the wound site. They help to remove debris, bacteria, and exudate without damaging healthy tissues or the wound bed, which is crucial for optimal healing.

In contrast, hydrogen peroxide can be cytotoxic to fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which are essential for tissue repair. It creates bubbles that may remove debris, but this activity can also harm the healing tissue. Alcohol swabs are typically too harsh for wound cleansing as they can cause pain and further tissue damage, and they may dry out the wound. Chlorhexidine solution, while effective in reducing bacteria, is generally used for skin antisepsis rather than for cleansing open wounds, as it can also be irritating and is not recommended for all types of wounds. Thus, normal saline or sterile water remains the preferred choice for wound cleansing in practice.