Blood Splash Exposure — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Irrigate the eye copiously with water or sterile saline
The correct immediate action after blood splash to the eye is copious irrigation with water or sterile saline (Option A). This is the standard first-aid response supported by NHS occupational health protocols for blood-borne exposure incidents. Irrigation must be performed immediately to reduce the pathogen load. Option B (eye patch and wait) delays appropriate first aid. Option C (chloramphenicol) is not a first-aid measure and represents premature antibiotic use. Option D is dangerous: the conjunctival mucosa is a route of pathogen entry, not a protective barrier. Option E (antiseptic solution) is not recommended as immediate first aid owing to risk of chemical irritation. The key discriminator is understanding that rapid mechanical dilution by copious irrigation is the evidence-based first-aid intervention for mucosal exposure.
Reference: NHS Tayside Dental Practice, Management of occupational blood exposure incidents; Whittington NHS Trust, Management of blood and body fluid exposure incidents; UK Government ACDP guidance on management of potential exposure to blood-borne viruses. https://www.nhstaysidecdn.scot.nhs.uk/NHSTaysideWeb/idcplg?IdcService=GET_SECURE_FILE&Rendition=web&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&noSaveAs=1&dDocName=prod_291339