In passing the scalpel to the provider while assisting with an incision and drainage (I&D), Melissa feels the blade slice through her glove. She quickly and secretly looks at it and notices a "very tiny" nick in her glove. Because this is a "dirty" procedure, she decides to say nothing and continues assisting with the procedure. Is her reasoning sound here? What is the best approach to handling this situation? Why?
Melissa's not being reasonable here as I&D is an aseptic procedure the scalpel is definitely unsterile as it has sliced her glove which might have also touched her skin beneath.
She should stop the procedure and inform the provider about the situation and start the procedure after washing hand and with the new salpel.
In passing the scalpel to the provider while assisting with an incision and drainage (I&D), Melissa...
In passing the scalpel to the provider while assisting with an incision and drainage (I&D), Melissa feels the blade slice through her glove. She quickly and secretly looks at it and notices a "very tiny" nick in her glove. Because this is a "dirty" procedure, she decides to say nothing and continues assisting with the procedure. Is her reasoning sound here? What is the best approach to handling this situation? Why?