While transferring a blood specimen from a syringe into a specimen container, a nurse feels a drip that has splashed from the container onto the nurse's face.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A)Clean the blood from the face using an alcohol wipe, and do not mention this to anyone.
B)Complete the procedure, clean the blood from the face using an alcohol wipe, and report the incident immediately to employee health.
C)Inform the patient of the exposure, and ask if there is any history of AIDS or hepatitis.
D)Notify the health-care provider to request screening of the patient for potential infections.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should complete the procedure, clean the blood from the face using an alcohol wipe, and report the incident immediately to employee health. This is the appropriate course of action to take, as it helps ensure that the incident is properly documented, and that appropriate follow-up measures can be taken to mitigate any potential risks to the nurse's health. It also helps ensure that the source patient can be evaluated for potential infections, and that appropriate testing and treatment can be initiated if necessary. Options A, C, and D are not appropriate in this situation, as they do not provide the necessary steps to ensure proper reporting and follow-up.

While Transferring a Blood Specimen from a Syringe into a Specimen