If a medical assistant is exposed to an infectious disease via a human bite, what should be their first step?

When a medical assistant is exposed to an infectious disease through a human bite, the immediate response is to flush the exposed area thoroughly. This step is crucial because it helps to minimize the risk of infection by washing away saliva and any potential pathogens that may have entered through the skin. The flushing process should ideally involve washing the wound with soap and water for several minutes, which is a recommended first aid procedure in such cases.

Following this, it is also important to notify a supervisor, seek medical attention, and document the incident for proper follow-up and record-keeping. While those steps are essential for handling the aftermath of exposure, the immediate flush of the wound is the most critical action to take to protect one’s health before taking further actions.