What is the recommended postoperative wound care approach and signs of superficial infection?

• A. Immediate debridement at first sign of redness
• B. Do nothing until fever
• C. Remove dressings and expose wound to air
• D. Standard sterile wound care with dressing changes; monitor for redness, warmth, drainage, and fever; treat superficial infection with antibiotics and close follow-up

Answer: (D)

Postoperative wound care centers on keeping the incision clean, protected, and moist enough to heal, while watching for early infection signs. The best approach is standard sterile wound care with regular dressing changes and careful monitoring for redness, warmth, drainage, and fever. If a superficial infection appears, treat with appropriate antibiotics and arrange close follow-up to ensure it improves without escalation. This approach supports healing and catches infection early before it becomes deeper or systemic.

Red flags that would prompt more aggressive action include increasing redness or warmth beyond the immediate area, new or increased drainage, foul-smelling discharge, escalating pain, or fever. Avoid debridement at the first sign of redness, as that is not indicated for a simple superficial infection; do nothing until fever is not safe and not advised; and exposing the wound to air by removing dressings goes against standard care, since a moist, protected environment generally promotes better healing.