Final answer:
Holding a thick pad against a wound and pressing down is first aid for a cut. The subsequent response in the body's healing process after clot formation is inflammation. Monitoring for signs of infection after bandaging a wound is crucial for healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you hold a thick pad against a wound and press down hard, you are administering first aid for a cut. After a skin injury, the body's wound-healing response begins with the formation of a blood clot to prevent further bleeding. Inflammation is typically the next response, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain as a variety of cells work to repair the injury. It's important to monitor for increased redness, swelling, and pain after a cut has been cleaned and bandaged, as these can be signs of an infection. Good first aid management, including pressure, cleaning, and proper bandaging, can help ensure a cut heals properly and minimize complications.