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Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
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The 'decisive period' in preventing wound infections is
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The correct answer is  There is up to a 4-hour interval before bacterial growth becomes established enough to cause an infection after a breach in the tissues, whether caused by trauma or surgery. This interval is called the 'decisive period' and strategies aimed at preventing infection from taking a hold become ineffective after this time period.It is therefore logical that prophylactic antibiotics should be given to cover this periodRef: Bailey and Love 27e pg: 46