A 10-year-old patient presents with a 2.5-cm laceration on the right upper arm. Prior to suturing the laceration, the nurse practitioner should cleanse the wound with:

Rationale: A. Acetic acid is primarily used for topical treatment of certain infections and is not appropriate for general wound cleansing before suturing. B. Povidone-iodine can be irritating to tissues and may delay wound healing if used for deep wound irrigation. C. Chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) is effective for skin antisepsis but is generally not recommended for open wound irrigation due to potential tissue toxicity. D. Saline solution for irrigation is the preferred method for cleansing lacerations prior to suturing. It effectively removes debris and contaminants without causing tissue irritation, promoting optimal wound healing.