Safe, Effective Care Environment
45. A drop of a client's blood splashes on a nurse's skin in an area where the nurse had a small, dried scab. The appropriate nursing action is to:
Safe, Effective Care Environment
45. A drop of a client's blood splashes on a nurse's skin in an area where the nurse had a small, dried scab. The appropriate nursing action is to:
. Cover the scab with a dry gauze.
. Apply ointment to keep scab moist.
. Wash the site without disrupting the scab.
. Scrub scab with Betadine for 5 minutes.
Test-Taking Tip
Washing the area is the first action for controlling the spread of infection.
Content Area: Adult Health, Infection Control; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Safety and Infection Control/Standard/Transmission-based/Other Precautions
Safe, Effective Care Environment
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the immediate goal is to remove the potentially infectious material. Covering the scab will not accomplish this. Answer 2 is incorrect because ice will not help remove the blood from the nurse's skin. Answer 3 is correct because washing is the most effective way of removing potentially infectious material. Avoid disrupting the scab, which is providing a microbial barrier. Answer 4 is incorrect because scrubbing the scab may remove the barrier that prevents blood from entering the nurse's body.