Correct option is C
Sol. The most immediate and essential first aid for a dog bite is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove saliva and reduces the viral load of rabies virus at the site, lowering the risk of infection before medical care.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Cover with dressing – Dressing should only be applied after thorough cleaning and post-exposure prophylaxis. Applying a dressing without cleaning can trap pathogens.
· (b) Apply antiseptic lotion – Antiseptics like povidone-iodine are helpful but secondary; mechanical cleaning with soap and water is more effective initially.
· (c) Wash with soap and water – Correct. This is the first and most critical step to prevent rabies and other infections. Soap inactivates the virus.
· (d) Suture the big wound – Suturing is avoided initially in animal bites unless absolutely necessary because it can seal in infection. It is done only under medical supervision after risk assessment.