Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

Why is immediate washing of a bite wound important?

1. To avoid scarring

2. To prevent further injury

3. To minimize the risk of infection

4. To reduce pain

The correct answer is: To minimize the risk of infection

Washing a bite wound immediately is crucial primarily to minimize the risk of infection. When a bite occurs, bacteria from the animal's mouth can be introduced into the wound. These bacteria, along with any debris or saliva, can create an environment conducive to infection if not cleaned promptly. By thoroughly washing the wound with soap and water, the aim is to remove harmful microorganisms and reduce the overall bacterial load, which significantly lowers the chance of infection developing. In addition to reducing the risk of infection, immediate cleaning of the wound can have benefits in other areas as well, but those are secondary effects. For instance, while it may help in reducing pain or scarring over time, the immediate priority is to ensure that any pathogens present are cleared from the wound site. Therefore, minimizing the risk of infection is the primary reason for the immediate washing of a bite wound.