What should you avoid doing with a puncture wound?

In the case of a puncture wound, probing or exploring it can cause additional damage to the surrounding tissue and increase the risk of infection. Puncture wounds can deepen more than what is visible on the surface, and may penetrate into underlying structures such as muscles, tendons, or even organs. By probing the wound, you may inadvertently introduce bacteria or pathogens into deeper tissue layers, which can lead to severe complications.

It is important to allow healthcare professionals to assess and treat the wound properly to ensure it receives the appropriate care. This includes determining if there are any foreign materials lodged in the wound and deciding on the necessary medical interventions.

The other options relate to standard first-aid practices. Applying gentle pressure may be necessary to control bleeding, covering the wound with a sterile bandage helps protect it, and washing it with soap and water is typically recommended for cleaning minor wounds, although care is taken with punctures to avoid excessive moisture. Thus, the focus must be on avoiding actions that could worsen the injury, such as probing or exploring the wound.