Patient Safety & LawQuestion 94 of 100
A chemical sterilant splashes into an assistant's eye. What is the correct immediate response?
a.Rub the eye with a gauze square and apply an eye patch
b.Flush the eye at the eyewash station with tepid water for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention
c.Rinse for 30 seconds and return to work
d.Apply a neutralizing chemical directly to the eye
Explanation
Chemical splashes to the eye require continuous flushing with tepid water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open, followed by medical evaluation and reporting under the office's exposure procedures. Rubbing the eye drives the chemical deeper and can abrade the cornea. A 30-second rinse is far too brief, and applying a neutralizer can cause an additional chemical reaction and further injury.
Law Reference: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)Practice all 100 questions free — no signup required.
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