What should you do before applying a dressing to a wound?

Before applying a dressing to a wound, it is crucial to wash the area with water. Cleaning the wound helps to remove any dirt, debris, or bacteria that could cause infection. This step ensures that the dressing adheres properly and maintains a cleaner environment for healing.

While it’s important to check for pulse in certain types of injuries involving limbs to assess circulation, and inspecting for foreign objects is necessary in cases where debris might be embedded in the injury, these actions do not take precedence over the need to clean the wound. Cleaning the area should always be one of the first steps taken in wound care to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.