Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

What should always be done after being bitten by a mammal?

1. Wash the wound and report it

2. Wait to see if it gets infected

3. Only tell coworkers

4. Leave it untreated

The correct answer is: Wash the wound and report it

After being bitten by a mammal, the priority is to ensure proper care for the wound and manage any potential health risks, particularly concerning rabies or other infectious diseases. Washing the wound immediately with soap and water helps to reduce the risk of infection significantly by removing saliva and bacteria present in the bite. It is crucial to follow this by reporting the incident, especially if the animal is suspected to be rabid or if it is a wild animal, as this may necessitate additional medical treatment and monitoring. This immediate action aids in promoting healing and minimizing complications. It also allows health authorities to track potentially rabid animals, which is essential in protecting public health. Other options, such as waiting to see if the wound becomes infected, only informing coworkers, or leaving it untreated, do not adequately address the urgency of the situation and can lead to serious health consequences. Hence, the approach of washing the wound and reporting it is the most responsible and prudent course of action.