A practical nurse (PN) is transporting a basin of contaminated fluids from a client's room and accidentally spills a significant amount on the hallway floor. Arrange the following actions in the chronological order the PN should perform them to safely manage the hazard and prevent injury.
- 1Secure the immediate area by warning others and restricting access to the spill.
- 2Obtain the facility's biohazard spill kit from the designated utility area.
- 3Put on the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and a gown.
- 4Apply the absorbent powder or pads from the spill kit directly over the fluid.
- 5Collect the absorbed material and dispose of it in a designated biohazard waste container.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first secure the area, then obtain the spill kit, don personal protective equipment (PPE), apply the absorbent material, and finally dispose of the waste in a biohazard container.
When managing a biohazardous spill, the immediate nursing priority is to secure the environment to prevent secondary accidents, such as slips and falls, and to prevent exposure to bystanders. Once the area is restricted, the nurse must retrieve the facility's approved biohazard spill kit. Before making any contact with the hazardous material, the nurse must don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure occupational safety. After putting on PPE, the nurse applies absorbent materials to contain and solidify the liquid, which prevents splashing and spreading. Finally, the solidified material is safely collected and discarded in a regulated biohazard waste container according to facility policy.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Accident, Error, and Injury Prevention (Hazard Handling)