Maryland Barber State Practice Exam

What should be done if a blood exposure incident occurs?

1. Ignore the incident and continue working

2. Follow the proper procedures and document the incident

3. Notify a client immediately

4. Report it to a family member

The correct answer is: Follow the proper procedures and document the incident

When a blood exposure incident occurs, the appropriate action is to follow the proper procedures and document the incident. This response is vital for several important reasons. First, following established protocols ensures that the situation is managed safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of infection and protecting both the barber and the client. Proper procedures typically include cleaning the area, applying first aid as necessary, and possibly notifying health authorities if required. Documentation is equally critical because it provides a clear record of the incident for both legal and health reasons. This documentation can be important for tracking any possible infections and ensuring that appropriate follow-up actions are taken for the health and safety of everyone involved. Ignoring the incident and continuing to work can lead to increased risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Similarly, notifying a client immediately is not the proper procedure, as the focus should be on controlling the exposure and ensuring safety first. Reporting to a family member does not provide any relevance to the healthcare or safety protocols necessary in such incidents. Therefore, option B is the only correct and responsible choice when handling a blood exposure incident.