Which action should you take if a client has an active contagious condition such as contagious conjunctivitis or shingles near the eye?

• A. Postpone treatment until resolved and provide guidance.
• B. Proceed with treatment with extra PPE.
• C. Treat only the unaffected eye.
• D. Schedule patch test.

Answer: (D)

Infection control and client safety are the priorities here. When a client has an active contagious condition near the eye, such as contagious conjunctivitis or shingles in that area, there is a real risk of spreading infection to you, other clients, and potentially affecting the client's eye health. The safest course is to postpone the treatment until the condition has resolved and provide guidance on home care and, if needed, medical clearance before rebooking. This protects everyone and aligns with professional hygiene standards.

Trying to proceed with extra PPE doesn’t remove the risk, because contagious material can be spread via hands, tools, towels, and surfaces, and close proximity to the eye leaves little room for complete containment. Treating only the unaffected eye isn’t reliable, as contamination can transfer through contact with equipment or the workspace. Scheduling a patch test has no relevance to managing contagious eye conditions and wouldn’t address the infection or transmission risk.