The nurse is preparing the skin of a client for surgery. The nurse kno

The nurse is preparing the skin of a client for surgery. The nurse knows the purpose of the surgical skin preparation is to

1. sterilize the skin.
2. assess the surgical site before surgery.
3. reduce the risk of postoperative wound infection.
4. clean any moles the client may have.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: The preparation of the skin prior to surgery is not to sterilize the skin.