Final answer:
Inhaling M. tuberculosis when an infected patient coughs is NOT an example of parenteral exposure, which involves bypassing the intestinal tract and introduction into the body through methods like injection or puncture. This exposure happens through the respiratory tract.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked which of the following is NOT an example of parenteral exposure. Parenteral exposure refers to the direct introduction of substances into the body, bypassing the intestinal tract, such as through a puncture, injection, or wound. The options provided suggest different means of exposure to potential pathogens or infectious materials.
Looking at each option:
- Splashing patient serum into your eye while vortexing is indeed a form of parenteral exposure, as it bypasses the intestinal tract and mucous membranes, directly contacting internal tissues.
- Inhaling M. tuberculosis when an infected patient coughs does not constitute parenteral exposure since it enters through the respiratory tract, which is a natural portal of entry.
- Getting stuck with a butterfly needle is a classic example of parenteral exposure because it directly penetrates the skin barrier.
- Scratching a skin rash with contaminated gloves may introduce pathogens through broken skin, but it is not parenteral if it does not penetrate further into the tissues or bloodstream.
Therefore, the correct answer to which is NOT an example of parenteral exposure is B. Inhaling M. tuberculosis when an infected patient coughs.