Final answer:
A CPCT caring for a patient with hepatitis B should wear protective gloves and facial protection, use disposable syringes and needles, wash exposed skin, disinfect surfaces with bleach, receive vaccination, and follow post-exposure protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a CPCT (Certified Patient Care Technician) is caring for a patient with hepatitis B, it is critical to implement standard precautions to prevent the transmission of the virus. These precautions include:
- Wearing protective gloves and facial protection when there is a potential for contact with blood or body fluids.
- Using disposable syringes and needles to eliminate the risk of needlestick injuries.
- Immediately washing any exposed skin with soap and water after contact with potential infectious materials.
- Disinfecting surfaces that may have come into contact with the virus using a 10% bleach solution.
- Ensuring that all healthcare workers receive the hepatitis B vaccination.
- Following post-exposure protocols, including treatment with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination if there is a confirmed exposure to the virus.
These measures are designed to reduce the risk of transmission from patients to healthcare workers in the clinical setting. Adhering to the protocols established by health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is essential in maintaining a safe working environment.