After rinsing a wound for 5 minutes with clean water, what is the next step if the person has no antibiotic allergy?

• A. Apply antibiotic ointment
• B. Cover wound with clean cloth
• C. Leave wound uncovered
• D. Apply hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (A)

After thoroughly rinsing the wound, the next step is to apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if there’s no antibiotic allergy. This helps prevent infection and keeps the area moist for healing. Then cover the wound with a sterile dressing to protect it from dirt and germs. Avoid hydrogen peroxide for routine care, as it can damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Leaving the wound uncovered or using an unsterile cloth can introduce contaminants.