Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What should be done if DHCP has open or weeping wounds on hands?

1. They must refrain from patient care until resolved

2. They can continue with gloves

3. They can treat only non-invasive patients

4. They may engage in patient care if they use a bandage

The correct answer is: They must refrain from patient care until resolved

If dental health care providers have open or weeping wounds on their hands, it is crucial for them to refrain from providing patient care until the wounds are resolved. This measure is in place to ensure both patient safety and the health care provider's safety, as open wounds can harbor pathogens that increase the risk of infection for both the patient and the provider. Continuing to treat patients, even with gloves, could pose a risk of contamination if the gloves are breached or if the infection spreads from the wounds. Bandaging the wounds may provide some protection; however, it does not eliminate the risk of contamination and infection completely. Refraining from patient care allows for proper healing and reduces the chances of transmitting any potential infections to patients, thereby upholding the standards of hygiene and ethical practice necessary in a dental environment. This approach is vital in maintaining a safe clinical environment and is consistent with infection control protocols.