Which information should be documented after an occupational exposure incident?

• A. The source individual, employee route of exposure, and how it happened
• B. The patient’s favorite color
• C. The facility's last inspection date
• D. The employee's home phone number

Answer: (A)

Documenting exposure incidents requires capturing the information that defines the exposure risk: the source individual, how the exposure occurred, and the route of exposure. Knowing who the source is helps assess the infectious risk and determine whether source testing or notification is appropriate, while understanding the mechanism of exposure and the exact route (for example, percutaneous needlestick versus splash to the eye or mouth) guides immediate management and follow-up decisions, such as baseline and follow-up testing and any post-exposure prophylaxis. This information also supports proper incident reporting and adherence to occupational health protocols.

Details like a patient’s favorite color or the facility’s last inspection date do not influence the exposure risk or management steps, and collecting personal home contact information raises privacy concerns.