Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Immediate wound cleansing is the correct initial action in the care of animal bites due to the high risk of infection, including rabies. This action helps to remove bacteria and viruses from the wound area, reducing the risk of severe infections. Administration of rabies prophylaxis is typically determined after the wound has been adequately cleaned and assessed, and might not always be necessary depending on the circumstances (e.g., animal vaccination status, likelihood of rabies). Administering antibiotics is necessary when signs of infection are present or as a prophylactic measure in severe bites but would follow proper wound cleansing. Checking the patient's tetanus immunization status is important, but it is not the immediate concern as addressing the potential for rabid infection and wound infection.