Final answer:
To protect oneself from hepatitis B when performing bedside radiographic procedures, one needs to wear gloves and face protection, use disposable syringes, practice thorough hand washing, and consider post-exposure treatment if necessary. Disinfect surfaces with bleach solution and test blood products regularly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When called to a trauma center to perform a bedside radiographic procedure on a patient suspected to have hepatitis B, it is crucial to adhere to strict safety practices to protect yourself from infection. First, because blood is the most significant risk, wearing gloves and face protection is essential. Second, using disposable syringes and needles will reduce the risk of infection. Washing exposed skin with soap and water after any potential exposure is recommended, and post-exposure treatment such as hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination can be considered. Disinfecting surfaces with a solution such as 10% bleach is advised by the CDC, as the virus can remain infective on surfaces for up to seven days. Regular testing of blood products also contributes to reducing the risk of transmission in health-care settings.