Final answer:
A medical assistant must take precautions when assisting with wound care to prevent infection. These precautions include using PPE, practicing proper hand hygiene, and following sterile techniques during the treatment of the coworker's purulent wound.
Step-by-step explanation:
A medical assistant is assisting with wound care on a coworker in the clinic and must indeed take precautions. Precautions are necessary because the wound is purulent, indicating a possible bacterial infection. Proper wound care includes handwashing, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and the application of sterile techniques to prevent the spread of infection to both the patient and healthcare providers.
For instance, using gloves and possibly other protective clothing is advised to protect against direct contact with bodily fluids which could contain infectious agents. Handwashing is crucial both before and after treating the wound to minimize the transfer of microbes. Applying a topical antibiotic ointment and a new bandage as per doctor's recommendation also plays a role in preventing further infection.
Increased redness, swelling, and pain after cleaning and bandaging might indicate worsening infection, and healthcare providers need to monitor these symptoms closely for patient safety. The same protocols for wound care and infection control are followed regardless of whether the patient is a stranger or a coworker, demonstrating the universal application of hygiene practices in a clinical setting.