A man has been bitten in his arm by his dog. He states that the bite occurred several hours earlier when he accidentally stepped on the dog's paw. When asked, he tells you that the dog is up-to-date on all of her shots, including the rabies vaccine. Assessment reveals two small puncture wounds to the hand with some bruising in the surrounding tissue. The patient wants to refuse treatment and transport. Given these assessment findings, which one of the following indicates the primary reason the patient should be seen in the emergency department?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary reason the patient should be seen in the emergency department is the risk for infection due to the dog bite. Even if the dog is up-to-date on its shots, there is still a risk of infection from the bite. It is important for the patient to be evaluated and possibly receive antibiotics to prevent infection. Possible shock from blood loss is not indicated in this scenario as there is no significant bleeding reported. Completing a police report is not the primary reason for seeking medical attention in this case. Preventing formation of a contusion is not a pressing concern for this patient compared to the risk of infection.

A Man Has Been Bitten in His Arm by His