What should be done immediately after an exposure incident in handling hazardous drugs?

Immediately after an exposure incident while handling hazardous drugs, seeking medical evaluation and reporting the incident is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, hazardous drugs can pose significant health risks, including acute and long-term effects, depending on the nature of the exposure. Prompt medical evaluation allows for appropriate assessment, treatment, and necessary follow-up care to mitigate any potential health risks.

Additionally, reporting the incident is important for workplace safety protocols. It ensures that the event is documented, allowing for an investigation and any necessary implementation of corrective actions or improvements in handling procedures. This proactive approach not only helps protect the individual involved but also enhances the safety of the entire work environment by identifying potential hazards and preventing future incidents.

In contrast, continuing to work as usual, completing the task without immediate action, or only informing a coworker fails to prioritize the individual's health and safety and does not adhere to the protocols typically outlined in training about handling hazardous materials. Thus, seeking medical evaluation and reporting is the appropriate immediate response to ensure both personal and workplace safety when dealing with hazardous drugs.