CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
While assisting with a procedure, a nurse aide's protective eyewear becomes dislodged and a small amount of a resident's blood splashes directly into the aide's eye. What is the FIRST action the aide should take?
- AFlush the eye immediately with water or saline for several minutes
- BContinue assisting and report the incident at the end of the shift
- CCover the eye with a dry sterile dressing and wait for the supervisor
- DApply an antibiotic ointment to the eye
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Flush the eye immediately with water or saline for several minutes
After a mucous membrane exposure to blood or body fluids, the affected area must be flushed immediately with water or saline for several minutes to reduce the risk of infection, then reported per facility exposure control policy.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Delaying treatment increases infection risk; exposures require immediate action, not end-of-shift reporting.
- C. Covering the eye without flushing first does not remove the contaminant.
- D. Ointments are not appropriate first aid for eye exposure to body fluids.
Mucous Membrane Exposure First Aid
Immediate flushing of eyes, nose, or mouth with water or saline following exposure to blood or body fluids to reduce infection risk, followed by reporting per protocol.
- Flush immediately for several minutes
- Report exposure promptly per facility policy
- Follow up with occupational health/testing as required
Memory trick: Splash in the eye? Flush, don't delay.