Final answer:
The most effective option to reduce the risk of infection after exposure to a bloodborne pathogen is to promptly wash the affected area with soap and water. Immediate consumption of dairy products, consuming raw seafood, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer are not recommended as methods to reduce infection risk after exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reducing Risk of Infection from Bloodborne Pathogens
After being exposed to a bloodborne pathogen such as Hepatitis B (HBV) or HIV, proactive steps are crucial to reduce the risk of infection. Among the provided options, Option 2: Promptly washing the affected area with soap and water is the most effective method to reduce the risk of infection. This immediate action is crucial as health-care protocols emphasize sanitation to mitigate infection risks. Other measures include avoiding contact with potentially contaminated surfaces, using gloves and face protection, and following detailed protocols for post-exposure such as HBIG treatment for HBV. It is important to note that while alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be beneficial when soap and water are not available, it is not the best method after direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Immediate consumption of dairy products or raw seafood does not reduce the risk of infection post-exposure and may potentially expose an individual to other pathogens. Therefore, they are not recommended as post-exposure actions to bloodborne pathogens.