Final answer:
When a patient's WBC count is less than 1, medical professionals should wear protective clothing and gloves, and may need to isolate the patient. They should also follow strict hygiene protocols, including handwashing and disinfection of equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient's WBC count is less than 1, which is indicative of a severely compromised immune system, medical professionals must take stringent precautions to prevent infections. The correct action includes wearing protective clothing and gloves to protect both the patient and medical personnel. There might also be a need to isolate the patient to prevent them from acquiring infections from others as well as possibly administering antibiotics prophylactically; however, this decision is based on clinical judgment and specific circumstances.
Additional Precautions:
- Wear face protection to avoid transmission of pathogens through mucosal surfaces.
- Follow protocols for disposing gloves and protective clothing in biohazard waste.
- Practice stringent hand hygiene and disinfect all items coming into contact with the patient.
Healthcare workers should also be familiar with protocols for dealing with exposure to various pathogens, including the cleaning of equipment and the use of antiseptics. All to ensure both their safety and the safety of the patients.