Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What should you do when caring for an open wound that contains glass and debris?

1. Clean the wound with antiseptic wipes

2. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing

3. Irrigate the wound with water

4. Remove the debris from the wound

The correct answer is: Cover the wound with a sterile dressing

When managing an open wound that contains glass and debris, covering the wound with a sterile dressing is the most appropriate initial action. Using a sterile dressing not only helps protect the wound from further contamination but also aids in controlling any bleeding and provides a barrier against infection. Irrigation may seem like a reasonable choice in some wound care scenarios, but in the presence of glass and foreign debris, there’s a risk of pushing those materials further into the wound. Removing debris can lead to additional complications if not done carefully, as it may cause further injury or introduce pathogens. Cleaning the wound with antiseptic wipes is also less suitable in this scenario because it may not effectively remove all foreign materials and could hurt the patient. Therefore, placing a sterile dressing over the wound is critical as it allows for a safer and more controlled assessment and treatment of the wound at a later stage, ideally in a clinical setting where a healthcare professional can more properly address the presence of glass and debris.