What is the rationale for reassignment of pregnant staff away from HD handling?

• A. To reduce risk of exposure to other staff.
• B. To reduce risk of fetal exposure.
• C. To increase training opportunities.
• D. To comply with a general staffing rule.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is protecting the fetus from exposure to hazardous drugs. Hazardous drugs can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, and even small exposures have the potential to cause fetal harm, including birth defects or miscarriage. Reassigning pregnant staff away from handling HD duties minimizes the chance that the fetus will be exposed, which is the highest-priority safety goal during pregnancy. While shifting duties may also reduce risks to other staff, the key reason for this practice is to prevent fetal exposure. The other options don’t address fetal protection in the same direct way, and they aren’t the primary rationale for pregnancy-related reassignment.