Fight bite injury: emergency department assessment and management.
Human bite wounds to the hand are relatively common injuries and are associated with high infection rates. Given the unique anatomy of the hand, the bite mechanism and the organisms found in human saliva, even the smallest wound can result in an aggressive infection. Failure to recognise and treat human bite wounds appropriately, can therefore have negative outcomes for patients. This article outlines the diagnostic features of, and complications associated with, bite wounds and discusses the recommended treatment options.
Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin.
Barry
B
McBrien
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001734:Bites, Human / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
emergency nursing; fight bite; hand infections; human bite injuries; patient assessment; wound care