Question

A medical assistant is assisting the provider with an adult patient who sustained a wound from a dirty metal object. Which of the following orders should the assistant expect the provider to give for the patient?

1) Order an X-ray to check for any fractures
2) Clean the wound thoroughly with antiseptic solution
3) Prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection
4) Apply a sterile dressing to the wound

Answer 1

The medical assistant should expect the provider to order cleaning the wound with antiseptic, applying a sterile dressing, and possibly prescribe antibiotics or ordering an X-ray. Proper handwashing and aseptic techniques by health-care workers are critical to prevent infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a medical assistant is assisting the provider with an adult patient who sustained a wound from a dirty metal object, they should expect the provider to order several actions to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. These actions often include:

1. Cleaning the wound thoroughly with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
2. Apply a sterile dressing to the wound to protect it from further contamination.
3. Ordering an X-ray if there is a concern for any fractures or retained foreign material in the wound.
4. Prescribing antibiotics, particularly if signs of infection are noted, such as redness, swelling, pain, or the presence of pus.

In some cases, health-care workers may also need to be proactive in terms of handwashing and using aseptic techniques in the maintenance of a sterile field to prevent the introduction of microbes into the patient's wound or when conducting invasive procedures.