Question

If the surface below the barrier is inadvertently touched when removing a contaminated barrier, what does the protocol indicate?

1) To immediately wash the area with soap and water
2) To ignore the touch and continue removing the barrier
3) To seek medical attention
4) To dispose of the barrier in a designated container

Answer 1

3) To seek medical attention, When the surface below a contaminated barrier is touched, one must immediately wash the area with soap and water followed by a wash with a basic solution. The barrier should then be disposed of in a biohazard waste container.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the surface below the barrier is inadvertently touched when removing a contaminated barrier, the protocol indicates that the area should be immediately washed with soap and water. Contact with skin must be followed by a thorough cleansing. It is essential to use detergent and warm water without scrubbing initially, and then to wash the skin with a basic solution such as 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach for 1 minute.

After decontaminating the skin, one must dispose of the barrier in a designated container, following the guidelines for hazardous waste. Remember to always maintain strict hygiene practices, especially in a clinical or laboratory setting.

The protocol for handling contaminated barriers dictates 3) To seek medical attention. if the surface below the barrier is inadvertently touched during removal. Touching a contaminated surface poses the risk of exposure to harmful substances, chemicals, or contaminants.

Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial to assess and address potential health risks, as some substances can be hazardous upon skin contact. Ignoring the touch and continuing with removal (option 2) may escalate the risk of exposure. While proper disposal (option 4) is important, addressing potential health consequences takes precedence, making seeking medical attention the appropriate course of action in such situations.