Bloodborne Pathogen & Asbestos Quiz

Reusing latex gloves, even after checking for damage, is not okay. Latex gloves are meant to be single-use items and should be disposed of after each use. Reusing gloves can lead to contamination and the spread of harmful bacteria or viruses. It is important to use a fresh pair of gloves for each new task or patient encounter to maintain proper hygiene and safety standards.

Melanoma is not a disease associated with asbestos exposure. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin, which is unrelated to asbestos exposure. On the other hand, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis are all diseases commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Lung cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs, mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

Hepatitis B is the correct answer because there is an available and effective vaccine for this bloodborne pathogen disease. The vaccine provides long-term protection against the virus and is recommended for all infants, as well as for adults who are at risk of infection. Vaccination is an important preventive measure in reducing the spread of Hepatitis B and its associated complications.

Asbestos is considered dangerous in its friable form. Friable asbestos refers to asbestos-containing materials that are easily crumbled or pulverized, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and pose a significant health risk, leading to various respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Non-friable asbestos, on the other hand, is more tightly bound within a material and does not readily release fibers unless disturbed. However, it can still become friable if damaged or deteriorated, increasing the risk of exposure. It is important to handle and remove asbestos-containing materials properly to minimize the danger they pose.

If a worker is cleaning a bathroom and gets another person's blood on their arm, it is not considered an exposure incident. This is because an exposure incident typically refers to situations where there is a potential for transmission of bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV or hepatitis, through contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. In this case, the worker's arm may have come into contact with blood, but it does not necessarily mean that there was a risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Therefore, it is not considered an exposure incident.