Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What is an example of exposure to parenteral materials?

1. Ingesting contaminated food

2. Receiving an injection

3. Breathing in airborne pathogens

4. Touching contaminated surfaces

The correct answer is: Receiving an injection

Exposure to parenteral materials refers specifically to the introduction of substances directly into the body, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This typically occurs through methods such as injections, where a needle penetrates the skin and delivers materials directly into the bloodstream or tissues. Receiving an injection is a clear example of parenteral exposure because it involves the direct administration of a substance, such as a vaccine or medication, through a needle. This method carries a risk of transmitting pathogens if the materials used are contaminated, making it a significant concern in healthcare settings. In contrast, the other options involve different forms of exposure. Ingesting contaminated food pertains to oral exposure; breathing in airborne pathogens relates to inhalation; and touching contaminated surfaces involves dermal contact. None of these methods bypass the gastrointestinal tract or directly introduce substances into the bloodstream, highlighting why they do not fall under the definition of parenteral exposure.