Exposure Protocol - Ccma

1. Which baseline laboratory tests are typically obtained for the exposed worker after a bloodborne exposure?

   Baseline HIV, HBV, and HCV serologic testing per protocol. These tests establish the worker's initial status for comparison with follow-up results to detect exposure-related infections.

2. Which document outlines the facility's required steps after an occupational exposure incident?

   The Exposure Control Plan (ECP). The ECP provides facility-specific procedures for managing exposures to ensure compliance with bloodborne pathogen regulations.

3. Which source-patient tests are typically ordered after a significant bloodborne exposure, if consented/allowed?

   Source testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV per protocol. Source testing informs transmission risk assessment and guides appropriate prophylaxis decisions.

4. What confidentiality rule applies to the exposed worker's medical evaluation and follow-up records?

   They are confidential medical records with restricted access. Restricted access ensures privacy and compliance with HIPAA and OSHA confidentiality requirements.

5. Which factor most strongly determines whether HIV PEP is recommended after an exposure incident?

   Risk assessment of exposure severity and source HIV status. These elements guide PEP decisions by evaluating the potential for HIV transmission.

6. Which exposure route is classified as parenteral in post-exposure evaluation?

   Percutaneous injury (e.g., needlestick or cut). Parenteral routes involve direct penetration, heightening the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

7. Which record is specifically used to document sharps injuries involving contaminated sharps?

   The Sharps Injury Log. This specialized log tracks sharps-related incidents to analyze causes and enhance prevention strategies.

8. Which body fluids are considered potentially infectious materials (OPIM) under bloodborne pathogen rules?

   Specified fluids (e.g., CSF, pleural, amniotic) and any visibly bloody fluid. OPIM include fluids with potential to transmit bloodborne pathogens, as defined by OSHA standards.

9. What immediate action is required after blood or OPIM exposure to the eyes, nose, or mouth?

   Flush mucous membranes with water or saline promptly. Immediate flushing dilutes and removes infectious materials from mucous membranes to reduce transmission risk.

10. What is the minimum information needed to assess an exposure incident for bloodborne pathogens?

    Exposure type, fluid, route, source status, and employee HBV status. These details enable accurate risk evaluation and tailored post-exposure management under bloodborne pathogen protocols.

11. Which intervention may be indicated for hepatitis B exposure in a non-immune worker, per protocol?

    Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and/or hepatitis B vaccination. These measures provide immediate and long-term protection against HBV in susceptible individuals.

12. What is the general timing goal for initiating HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after a high-risk exposure?

    Start as soon as possible, ideally within hours of exposure. Early administration enhances PEP efficacy in interrupting HIV replication post-exposure.

13. What is the next required step after immediate cleansing for any occupational exposure?

    Report the exposure immediately to the supervisor or designee. Immediate reporting initiates medical evaluation, documentation, and prophylaxis as required by OSHA standards.

14. What is the definition of an occupational exposure incident under bloodborne pathogen standards?

    Specific eye, mouth, mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral contact with blood/OPIM. This definition identifies incidents warranting evaluation and intervention per bloodborne pathogen regulations.

15. Identify the correct disposal step after a contaminated sharp causes an injury during a procedure.

    Place the sharp immediately into an approved sharps container. Immediate containment in a puncture-resistant container prevents additional exposures and complies with safety protocols.

16. Which action is required if blood spills occur during an exposure incident response?

    Contain and disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant per protocol. Proper containment and disinfection eliminate biohazards and prevent secondary exposures in the environment.

17. Which action is contraindicated after a needlestick injury: squeezing the wound, washing, or reporting?

    Squeezing or "milking" the puncture site. This action can drive pathogens deeper into tissues, potentially increasing infection risk.

18. What is the OSHA-required record that documents work-related injuries such as needlesticks?

    The OSHA $300$ Log (when recordable criteria are met). This log records occupational injuries meeting criteria to track patterns and fulfill OSHA reporting requirements.

19. Which counseling topic is required during post-exposure follow-up for bloodborne pathogens?

    Risk reduction and symptoms to report during the follow-up period. This education promotes safe behaviors and early detection of potential infections during monitoring.

20. What is the standard post-exposure approach for hepatitis C after an occupational blood exposure?

    No vaccine or PEP; perform baseline and follow-up testing per protocol. Without prophylaxis available, serial testing monitors for HCV infection to enable early intervention.

21. What is the primary purpose of baseline testing after an exposure incident?

    To document pre-exposure infection status. It establishes a reference for determining if subsequent infections are attributable to the incident.

22. What is the required follow-up action if the exposed worker declines baseline blood testing?

    Document refusal and offer testing per protocol if they change their decision. Documentation preserves records, and re-offering supports informed decision-making while adhering to protocols.

23. What is the correct immediate response after blood or OPIM contacts non-intact skin?

    Wash thoroughly with soap and water promptly. Prompt washing removes contaminants from compromised skin barriers to prevent pathogen absorption.

24. Which immediate action is required after a needlestick or sharps injury in the clinical setting?

    Wash the area promptly with soap and water. This initial step minimizes pathogen entry by cleansing the puncture site immediately after injury.

25. What is the primary determinant for hepatitis B post-exposure management after a blood exposure?

    The exposed worker's hepatitis B vaccination and antibody status. Immunity status dictates the need for vaccination or immunoglobulin to prevent HBV infection.

Study these flashcards