<prompt> The decisive period in preventing wound infections is4 hr post incision12 hr prior to incision12 hr post incision48 hr post incision  <response>: 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 