A 25-year-old male presents to the emergency department after being bitten by a raccoon in a suburban area. The bite is located on his forearm, showing minimal tissue damage. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
Administer rabies post-exposure prophylaxis immediately.
Disregard the wound due to minimal tissue damage.
Administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic as a sole intervention.
Administering rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is essential in cases of animal bites from wild animals, especially raccoons, which are common carriers of rabies. This protocol involves immediate wound cleaning and administration of rabies vaccine and, depending on immunization status, immunoglobulin. Observation of the animal for 10 days, an alternative answer, applies mainly to pets or domestic animals, not typically to wildlife. Ignoring the bite, even with minimal tissue damage, is inappropriate due to the risk of rabies. Antibiotic administration alone doesn't address the risk of rabies.
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BCEN CEN
Environment and Toxicology Emergencies, and Communicable Diseases
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