What should dental health care workers who have exudative lesions do?

Dental health care workers with exudative lesions should refrain from contact with patient care equipment to prevent the potential transmission of infectious agents. Exudative lesions, which can include conditions such as open sores or wounds that ooze fluids, pose a risk of infection to both the worker and their patients, as these lesions can harbor bacteria or other pathogens.

By avoiding contact with patient care equipment, the dental health care worker minimizes the risk of contaminating instruments, surfaces, and the patients themselves, thus maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. This protocol aligns with the principles of infection control and universal precautions, which are essential in a dental setting to protect both the health care worker and the patients.

The other choices do not align with best practices in dental health care settings. Continuing to work without restrictions or being exempt from universal precautions could expose patients to unnecessary risk, while disclosing a condition to all patients may not be appropriate or necessary based on the situation or the type of lesion. Adhering to strict hygiene measures is paramount in maintaining patient safety.