Which practice is NOT recommended in marine trauma wound care?

Which practice is NOT recommended in marine trauma wound care?

• A. Close lacerations primarily
• B. Copious irrigation
• C. Debridement
• D. Tetanus vaccination

Answer: (A)

In marine trauma wound care, the aim is to prevent infection by removing contaminants and allowing drainage, since seawater and marine organisms bring a high risk of infection. Wounds in this setting are often contaminated and may harbor bacteria that can cause rapid, serious infection. Therefore, thorough irrigation to flush out saltwater, debris, and bacteria, along with debridement of nonviable tissue, is essential. Closing wounds primarily traps contaminated seawater and bacteria inside, increasing the chance of infection and poor healing. Instead, wounds are kept open to heal by secondary intention or after delayed primary closure once clean and free of contamination. Tetanus vaccination should be updated if needed as part of wound care. Thus, primary closure of marine wounds is not recommended, making it the best choice for this question.

In marine trauma wound care, the aim is to prevent infection by removing contaminants and allowing drainage, since seawater and marine organisms bring a high risk of infection. Wounds in this setting are often contaminated and may harbor bacteria that can cause rapid, serious infection. Therefore, thorough irrigation to flush out saltwater, debris, and bacteria, along with debridement of nonviable tissue, is essential. Closing wounds primarily traps contaminated seawater and bacteria inside, increasing the chance of infection and poor healing. Instead, wounds are kept open to heal by secondary intention or after delayed primary closure once clean and free of contamination. Tetanus vaccination should be updated if needed as part of wound care. Thus, primary closure of marine wounds is not recommended, making it the best choice for this question.