A dog bite to a child should be reported to the appropriate authorities, and additional steps include:

• A. report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
• B. advise rabies shots.
• C. administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.
• D. ask the child's father to try to locate the dog.

Answer: (A)

Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities is essential because it starts the public health response needed after a dog bite. This lets authorities assess rabies risk, determine the dog’s vaccination status, and decide whether the animal should be observed or quarantined. It also ensures the child receives proper medical evaluation and follow-up care, including wound management and tetanus considerations.

The other options aren’t appropriate universal steps. Rabies vaccination decisions are made by medical professionals after a risk assessment, and not every bite automatically requires immediate shots. Oxygen administration isn’t a standard response to a dog bite. And asking the child’s father to locate the dog bypasses public health processes and can delay or compromise necessary safety actions.