Final answer:
A medical assistant should wear a face shield routinely as part of PPE, whenever there is a possibility of spray with infectious materials, if gross contamination of clothing is expected, and if contact with an open wound is expected.
Step-by-step explanation:
When should a medical assistant wear a face shield?
- Routinely as a part of PPE: Medical assistants should wear a face shield as a routine part of their personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against potential splashes, sprays, or splatters of infectious materials.
- Whenever possible spray with infectious materials is anticipated: Medical assistants should wear a face shield whenever there is a possibility of exposure to sprays of infectious materials, such as during procedures that involve the use of needles or other sharp instruments.
- If gross contamination of clothing during a procedure is expected: A face shield should be worn by medical assistants if there is an expectation of clothing becoming grossly contaminated during a procedure, such as during surgical or invasive procedures.
- If contact with an open wound is expected: Medical assistants should wear a face shield if there is an expectation of contact with an open wound, as this can help prevent the spread of potential contaminants.