Practitioners who have visible open sores or bleeding lesions on their hands.arms shall not have client contact until the lesion has healed to a ___ and covered with protective gloves and band aid

• A. Red phase
• B. Pustule phase
• C. Scab phase
• D. Eruption phase

Answer: (C)

Infection control and barrier protection are the key ideas. When a practitioner has visible open sores or bleeding lesions, they should not have client contact until the wound has formed a protective scab and is covered with protective gloves and a band aid. A scab indicates the skin is in the healing process and a crust is protecting the wound, reducing the chance of contamination. The red phase would suggest ongoing inflammation, the pustule phase implies an active infection with pus, and the eruption phase isn’t a standard healing stage. So, healing to a scab with coverage best supports safety for both client and practitioner.