You see a registered nurse performing a venepuncture without the use of proper PPE while blood is already being drawn. What are your next steps as a junior doctor?

You see a registered nurse performing a venepuncture without the use of proper PPE while blood is already being drawn. What are your next steps as a junior doctor?

• A. Interrupt immediately to correct the error
• B. Recognise PPE importance; find private space to discuss privately after the procedure and gather the nurse's perspective
• C. Ignore the situation to avoid confrontation
• D. Report to senior staff without discussing with the nurse first

Answer: (B)

Infection control and respectful, real-time teamwork are the key ideas here. The safest and most constructive approach is to acknowledge the importance of PPE and address the lapse after the procedure in a private, non-confrontational way. By choosing to discuss privately, you avoid public shaming, maintain good working relationships, and create space to understand the nurse’s perspective—was there a missing supply, a momentary oversight, or a misunderstanding of the protocol? This approach protects patient and staff safety while also supporting learning and adherence to standard precautions. If you discuss it afterward and the nurse explains a legitimate constraint or gap, you can reinforce the safety measures and coordinate any necessary changes with your team or supervisors. If the issue reveals a systemic problem, you escalate through appropriate channels. Interrupting mid-procedure can disrupt care and put everyone on edge, while ignoring the risk leaves safety gaps. Not discussing at all misses a chance to improve practice and prevent recurrence.

Infection control and respectful, real-time teamwork are the key ideas here. The safest and most constructive approach is to acknowledge the importance of PPE and address the lapse after the procedure in a private, non-confrontational way. By choosing to discuss privately, you avoid public shaming, maintain good working relationships, and create space to understand the nurse’s perspective—was there a missing supply, a momentary oversight, or a misunderstanding of the protocol? This approach protects patient and staff safety while also supporting learning and adherence to standard precautions.

If you discuss it afterward and the nurse explains a legitimate constraint or gap, you can reinforce the safety measures and coordinate any necessary changes with your team or supervisors. If the issue reveals a systemic problem, you escalate through appropriate channels. Interrupting mid-procedure can disrupt care and put everyone on edge, while ignoring the risk leaves safety gaps. Not discussing at all misses a chance to improve practice and prevent recurrence.