Question

While working at BWW Medical Associates with a medical assisting student from a local school, you enter an examination room with a patient and notice there is a small needle and syringe with medication in it on the tray table. You know that it was the medical assisting student’s responsibility to clean the room between patients. What should you do?

Answer 1

If you notice a small needle and syringe with medication on the tray table that should have been cleaned by a medical assisting student, prioritize patient safety by not using them on the patient. Address the situation with the student and report the incident to your supervisor or appropriate staff.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you enter an examination room at BWW Medical Associates and notice a small needle and syringe with medication on the tray table that should have been cleaned by a medical assisting student, there are several steps you should take:

1. Ensure patient safety: If the needle and syringe appear to be used or contaminated, do not use them on the patient. Dispose of them safely according to the proper medical waste protocols.
2. Address the situation: Speak to the medical assisting student privately and explain that it is their responsibility to clean the room between patients. Emphasize the importance of adhering to infection control guidelines and proper cleaning procedures.
3. Report the incident: Inform your supervisor or the appropriate staff at BWW Medical Associates about the incident. They can take appropriate action to ensure that proper protocols are followed in the future.

It is important to prioritize patient safety and ensure that proper cleaning and infection control procedures are followed in a medical setting.