Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

If you accidentally cut a client during a service, what should you do first?

1. Inform the client immediately

2. Apply pressure and a sterile dressing

3. Continue the service until finished

4. Call for help from another staff member

The correct answer is: Apply pressure and a sterile dressing

The correct approach in the event of accidentally cutting a client is to apply pressure and a sterile dressing. This action ensures that the wound is properly managed and minimizes the risk of excessive bleeding and infection. Applying pressure helps to control any bleeding, while a sterile dressing provides a barrier to protect the wound from contaminants and further injury. By prioritizing the client's safety and well-being, you are demonstrating professionalism and adherence to health and safety standards. Once the immediate situation is addressed, you can then inform the client about what happened and provide reassurance, but managing the injury first is crucial to ensuring their safety during the service. Other options might lead to complications, such as delaying necessary care by continuing the service or creating additional stress for the client by discussing the cut before taking action. Calling for help can be appropriate in certain situations, but the priority should always be to stabilize the client's injury first.