The medical assistant employed at the doctor's office was scratched on the hand last week by her kitten, and the scratch subsequently became infected. The office was very busy this week with patients, and the medical assistant did not observe Standard Precautions when assisting with a Category I minor surgical procedure. Two days later, the patient returned to the office with an infected surgical site.

While reading this chapter, consider the following questions:

1. What part of the cycle of infection caused the problem for the medical assistant?

2. How did the patient become infected?

3. How does the Blood-borne Pathogens Standard apply to the medical assistant?

4. Because the medical assistant did not observe the regulation, what penalties, if any, could be imposed by OSHA?