Final answer:
Susie should promptly remove the glove, wash the area, and report the incident for a medical evaluation to assess infection risk and determine follow-up actions. Keeping the incident secret is not advised due to the potential health implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Susie, who is assisting in a non-sterile procedure, feels the instrument cut through her glove, she has encountered a situation involving a potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The immediate steps Susie should take involve stopping the procedure, immediately removing the glove, and washing the affected area with soap and water. It's crucial that she report the incident to her supervisor and seek medical evaluation to assess the risk of infection and determine the necessary follow-up actions, which may include post-exposure prophylaxis.
It is important to follow proper protocol for occupational exposures to potentially infectious materials, and Susie should not keep the incident a secret as it can have significant health implications. Healthcare facilities typically have exposure control plans in place according to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, to deal with such incidents.