Question

A PCT's hand is accidentally exposed to a patient's blood. Which of the following actions should the PCT take?

A) Wash hands with soap and water
B) Apply an antiseptic directly to the exposed area
C) Ignore the exposure if the patient has no known infections
D) Report the exposure to the nurse immediately

Answer 1

The PCT should wash hands with soap and water, report the exposure to the nurse, and avoid ignoring the exposure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The PCT should wash hands with soap and water after accidental exposure to a patient's blood. This is because proper handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infection by pathogens. It is recommended to use soap and warm running water and wash for at least 20 seconds, covering all areas of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails.

Applying an antiseptic directly to the exposed area may not be sufficient to remove pathogens, and it is important to thoroughly wash the hands with soap and water. Ignoring the exposure is not recommended, as there may be a risk of infection even if the patient has no known infections. Therefore, the PCT should report the exposure to the nurse immediately for proper documentation and evaluation.