Jane, a patient in the clinic, comes in with a jagged 3-inch open laceration on her hand, which she calmly shows to you.What is your first priority for care?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first priority for care would be to minimize the risk of infection. This can be achieved by cleaning and irrigating the wound with sterile saline or water, applying an antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a sterile dressing.

Answer: D
 If the patient has not had a tetanus shot in the past 5-10 years and the wound is deep or contaminated, a tetanus injection may be necessary, along with the wound care procedures.

Answer: E
 While it is important to establish the need for sutures and take a patient history, calming the patient is also important to ensure they are comfortable and can follow the necessary steps for wound care.

Jane, a Patient in the Clinic, Comes in with a Jagged