What is a significant safety concern for healthcare workers administering chemotherapy?

What is a significant safety concern for healthcare workers administering chemotherapy?

• A. Potential for needle-stick injuries
• B. Risk of exposure to toxic drugs
• C. Handling of patient medical records
• D. Monitoring witness accounts

Answer: (B)

The significant safety concern for healthcare workers administering chemotherapy is the risk of exposure to toxic drugs. Chemotherapy agents can be highly potent and carry risks not only for patients but also for healthcare professionals who handle these medications. Exposure can occur through various routes including inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion, which can lead to acute and chronic health issues such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, reproductive issues, and even carcinogenic effects. While the potential for needle-stick injuries is a concern, it primarily relates to the risk of infectious diseases rather than the toxic effects of chemotherapy itself. Handling patient medical records, although important for maintaining privacy and confidentiality, does not pose the same health risks as working with hazardous drugs. Lastly, monitoring witness accounts is not pertinent to the safety of the administration process or the health risks faced by healthcare workers exposed to chemotherapy agents.

The significant safety concern for healthcare workers administering chemotherapy is the risk of exposure to toxic drugs. Chemotherapy agents can be highly potent and carry risks not only for patients but also for healthcare professionals who handle these medications. Exposure can occur through various routes including inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion, which can lead to acute and chronic health issues such as skin irritation, respiratory problems, reproductive issues, and even carcinogenic effects.

While the potential for needle-stick injuries is a concern, it primarily relates to the risk of infectious diseases rather than the toxic effects of chemotherapy itself. Handling patient medical records, although important for maintaining privacy and confidentiality, does not pose the same health risks as working with hazardous drugs. Lastly, monitoring witness accounts is not pertinent to the safety of the administration process or the health risks faced by healthcare workers exposed to chemotherapy agents.