A practical nurse (PN) discovers a small pool of blood on the floor in a client's room after a venipuncture procedure. Arrange the following steps for managing the blood spill in the correct chronological sequence according to standard infection control protocols.
- 1Don clean examination gloves and any additional required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- 2Absorb the visible blood using disposable paper towels and discard them in a biohazard waste container.
- 3Apply an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant to the contaminated surface area.
- 4Allow the disinfectant to remain wet on the surface for the manufacturer's recommended contact time.
- 5Wipe up the residual disinfectant, carefully remove all PPE, and perform hand hygiene.
Answer
The correct sequence for managing a blood spill is to first don PPE, then absorb the visible blood, apply an appropriate disinfectant, wait for the required contact time, and finally wipe up the area, remove PPE, and perform hand hygiene.
The correct chronological sequence ensures both nurse safety and chemical efficacy. The nurse must first protect themselves (don PPE), then remove organic matter which would otherwise neutralize the disinfectant (absorb blood), apply the chemical agent, allow it the necessary time to kill pathogens (contact time), and finally clean the surface and wash hands.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper management of blood spills requires the removal of gross organic matter before applying chemical disinfectants and strictly observing the required wet contact time, in accordance with Standard Precautions.
Estimated Time:1m 30s