While Transferring a Blood Specimen from a Syringe into a Specimen

question 50

Multiple Choice

While transferring a blood specimen from a syringe into a specimen container, a nurse feels a drip that has splashed from the container onto the nurse's face.Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A)Clean the blood from the face using an alcohol wipe, and do not mention this to anyone.
• B)Complete the procedure, clean the blood from the face using an alcohol wipe, and report the incident immediately to employee health.
• C)Inform the patient of the exposure, and ask if there is any history of AIDS or hepatitis.
• D)Notify the health-care provider to request screening of the patient for potential infections.

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Definitions:

Comparative Negligence

A legal doctrine that allocates damages based on the degree of fault of each party involved in an accident.

Contributory Negligence

A legal doctrine stating that if the plaintiff in a tort law case is found to be partially at fault for the accident, they may be barred from receiving compensation.

Unfounded Claims

Assertions or allegations that lack supporting evidence or basis in fact, often considered to be baseless or false.

Proximate Cause

The primary reason an event occurs that, in a natural and continuous sequence, leads to a legal injury, and without which the injury would not have occurred.