What should a clinician do if their oral mucous membranes come in contact with a patient's blood?

When a clinician's oral mucous membranes come into contact with a patient's blood, it is crucial to follow a comprehensive response protocol to ensure safety and maintain infection control standards. The correct approach involves immediate actions and subsequent reporting.

First, washing the area immediately is essential to minimize the risk of infection and clear any potential contaminants. This is the first line of defense to protect the clinician’s health.

Next, evaluating and reporting the incident is vital. The clinician should assess the exposure, document it thoroughly, and report it to the appropriate personnel within the practice or facility. This helps in managing any necessary follow-up procedures, including potential medical evaluation and monitoring for any infectious diseases.

Refraining from further treatment is also an important consideration. After such an incident, the clinician should ensure their safety and health before continuing any patient care, as they may be at risk of carrying an infection or affecting their patients if they are not evaluated properly.

By encompassing all these actions, the correct response effectively addresses immediate hygiene needs, facilitates proper follow-up, and maintains both clinician and patient safety.