In treating a soldier with a superficial laceration and signs of infection, what is the recommended course of action?

The recommended course of action for treating a soldier with a superficial laceration and signs of infection is to hospitalize and administer IV antibiotics. This approach is necessary when there are clear indications of infection that may not resolve with less aggressive treatments. Signs of infection can include increased redness, warmth, swelling, and possibly systemic symptoms like fever, indicating that the infection could be more than superficial.

In this context, using intravenous antibiotics ensures rapid delivery of the medication directly into the bloodstream, which can be crucial in managing infections effectively, especially if they are spreading or if the patient is exhibiting severe symptoms. Hospitalization also allows for close monitoring of the patient and the opportunity to provide additional care, as well as interventions that may be necessary, such as drainage of any abscess that may have formed.

Other options like administering topical antibiotics or applying warm compresses may not be adequate for dealing with established infections, particularly when systemic involvement is a concern. Over-the-counter pain relief would not address the infection itself and would fail to provide the necessary treatment for the condition at hand. In this case, the need for a broader and more aggressive treatment approach is paramount, validating the choice of hospitalization and IV antibiotics.