Final answer:
To reduce bloodborne pathogen exposure, healthcare employees should use PPE, attend training, minimize exposure when possible, practice stringent hand hygiene, follow post-exposure protocols, and ensure proper sterilization and biohazard waste disposal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reducing the Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens in Healthcare Settings
To reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure, employees in healthcare settings should take multiple precautions. Firstly, they should ensure they have access to appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, face protection, and protective clothing, which sometimes may be provided by the employer. Secondly, they should attend trainings on handling bloodborne pathogens and the proper use of PPE.
Thirdly, in situations of high risk, like knowing that a patient has a bloodborne pathogen, attempts should be made to minimize exposure, although avoiding patient rooms is not always practical nor ethical in healthcare. Using disposable syringes and needles, and having rigorous hand hygiene practices, are also essential steps.
After potential exposure, it's critical to wash the exposed area and follow post-exposure protocols, which may include hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination. Effective sterilization and disinfection of equipment is crucial as well, for instance, using a 10% bleach solution as recommended by the CDC, and proper disposal of biohazardous waste is imperative.