California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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If a technician experiences a splash of blood to the eyes while transferring serum, what should be the first action taken?

  1. Notify a supervisor

  2. Rinse his eyes with water

  3. Apply a sterile gauze

  4. Document the incident

The correct answer is: Rinse his eyes with water

Rinsing the eyes with water is the most immediate and critical action to take in the event of a splash of blood to the eyes. This step helps to flush out any potentially harmful pathogens or contaminants that may have entered the eyes. Blood can carry infectious agents, and prompt rinsing minimizes the risk of infection or disease transmission by diluting and washing away the contaminants. The importance of this action lies in the principle of first aid for eye exposure to harmful substances, which emphasizes immediate decontamination. It's recommended to flush the eyes with copious amounts of water or an appropriate eyewash solution for at least 15 minutes. This can make a significant difference in mitigating any adverse effects. While notifying a supervisor, applying a sterile gauze, and documenting the incident are all important steps to be taken after the immediate danger has been addressed, they should follow the urgent need to protect one's health and safety. Immediate rinsing is prioritized to address the potential for injury or infection effectively.