Question 1551 Deck Safety

70% to pass

A seaman has a small, gaping laceration of the arm that is not bleeding excessively. What can be done as an alternative to suturing to close the wound?

A Apply a compression bandage.
B Wrap a tight bandage around the wound.
C Use temporary stitches of sail twine.
D Apply butterfly strips, then a sterile dressing.
AI Explanation

The correct answer is D) Apply butterfly strips, then a sterile dressing. Butterfly strips, also known as steri-strips, are a suitable alternative to suturing for a small, gaping laceration that is not bleeding excessively. They provide wound closure without the need for more invasive stitches. After cleaning the wound, applying the butterfly strips and then covering it with a sterile dressing is the appropriate first aid treatment in this scenario. The other options are not recommended. A compression bandage (A) or tight bandage (B) would not adequately close the wound. Using temporary stitches of sail twine (C) would be an unsanitary and potentially unsafe improvised measure.

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