A 9-year-old client is bitten by a dog and has localized swelling. What is the next appropriate step in their care?

In the scenario where a 9-year-old client has been bitten by a dog and exhibits localized swelling, the next appropriate step in their care centers around managing the injury effectively and reducing the risk of infection. Administering medication is crucial because it typically involves providing appropriate pain relief, such as analgesics, and possibly initiating prophylactic antibiotics if there is a significant risk of infection or if the wound is deep.

Immediate care after an animal bite involves wound assessment and management. In many cases, this includes cleaning the wound and ensuring that tetanus prophylaxis is updated if necessary. Moreover, monitoring for signs of infection is important, as dog bites can introduce bacteria that can lead to infections, especially in children.

Other options may not address the immediate clinical needs as effectively. For instance, a CT scan of the head would be more appropriate in cases of head trauma or suspected intracranial injuries rather than for a localized bite wound. Checking for allergies is important in the broader context of medical history but doesn't take priority immediately following a dog bite. A referral to surgery might be warranted if there are severe injuries requiring surgical intervention, but in many cases, initial management can be conducted in the emergency department without immediate surgical referral. Thus, starting with medication and proper wound