What is the first aid for a dog bite?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

The most critical first step in managing a dog bite is immediate and thorough wound irrigation.
Washing the wound with soap and running water for 10-15 minutes mechanically removes saliva and potential pathogens, including the rabies virus.
This action significantly reduces the local viral load and is the single most effective measure in preventing rabies.

Option A: Covering a wound with a dressing is not the first action. This step should only be performed after the wound is thoroughly cleaned to avoid trapping contaminants.
Option B: Applying antiseptic is an important step, but it is secondary to mechanical washing. The primary goal is to physically remove contaminants.
Option D: Suturing (primary closure) of a bite wound is generally contraindicated as a first aid measure because it can trap pathogens like bacteria and the rabies virus, increasing infection risk.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain First aid management for animal bites as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate patients and the public that immediate, vigorous wound washing is the most effective first-aid step in rabies prevention.
In a clinical setting, the nurse's role includes assessing the wound, ensuring it has been properly cleaned, evaluating tetanus immunization status, and initiating rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocols as indicated.
What if? If the bite is a minor scratch with no broken skin (a Category I exposure), thorough washing is still recommended, but rabies PEP is not required.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the keywords in the question: "first aid" and "dog bite".
Recognize that "first aid" implies the most immediate and critical action to take.
Evaluate each option based on the principle of removing the source of contamination as the top priority.
Option A (dressing) and D (suturing) trap contaminants. Eliminate them as first steps.
Between B (antiseptic) and C (washing), recognize that mechanical washing (C) is more effective at removing bulk contaminants and saliva than applying a lotion (B).
Conclude that washing with soap and water is the foundational first step before any other treatment.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q9CdyYKk8SOvkpv8fLI_ef

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 p. 2271-2273

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1185-1187

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 89-91

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.