Question

You see a 33 year old male with a minor dog bite on his hand. The examination reveals a superficial wound on the left palm. The dog is up to date on immunizations. in deciding whether to administer antimicrobial therapy, you consider that _________% of dog bites become bacterially infected

A. 5%
B. 20%
C. 50%
D. 75%

Answer 1

Approximately 20% of dog bites become bacterially infected. Antimicrobial therapy should be considered based on the wound's severity, the dog's immunization status, and the patient's health.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering whether to administer antimicrobial therapy for a dog bite, it is important to know the percentage of dog bites that become bacterially infected.

Research suggests that approximately 20% of dog bites result in bacterial infection. However, immediate treatment and proper wound care can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

In this specific case, since the dog is up to date on immunizations and the wound is superficial, the risk may be lower but the decision should still be made based on clinical judgement, potential bacterial flora involved, and patient health status.