Which statement correctly describes recommendations for preoperative patient skin antisepsis?

The statement that preoperative patient skin antisepsis should start at the site of incision and move outwards is grounded in evidence-based practices that aim to minimize the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). This technique is often recommended because beginning at the incision site ensures that any bacteria that may be present in the most critical area for infection control is immediately addressed. As antiseptic agents are moved outward, they carry contaminants away from the incision, thereby reducing the potential for bacteria to migrate towards the surgical area.

In practice, this inward-to-outward method of skin prep allows for effective removal of dirt, debris, and microbial flora from the skin surface. Comprehensive skin antisepsis contributes significantly to reducing the bacterial load at the surgical site, which is crucial to promote optimal healing and prevent postoperative complications.

In contrast, beginning preparation from the outside and moving towards the incision can increase the risk of bringing contaminants from the surrounding areas into the incision. Additionally, performing prep only on the day of surgery without accounting for proper preoperative protocols may not sufficiently reduce the microbial load. Shaving hair, while sometimes performed, is not a standard requirement and can actually increase the risk of SSIs if done improperly or if it leads to micro-abrasions on the skin. Hence,