A veterinarian in a rural clinic is bitten by a stray cat. Which rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) step is MOST critical if the animal cannot be observed?
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A
Administer rabies immune globulin (RIG) plus vaccine series immediately
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B
Administer vaccine series only, starting within 72 hours
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C
Wait 10 days and observe the cat before initiating PEP
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D
Administer RIG only, then reassess in 48 hours