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Question

Difficulty: MediumHandling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

A nurse working in an endoscopy suite accidentally knocks over a large container of glutaraldehyde, resulting in a significant chemical spill on the floor. In what order should the nurse take the following actions to safely manage this hazardous chemical spill? Arrange the actions from first to last.

  1. 1Restrict access to the room and evacuate unprotected personnel from the immediate area.
  2. 2Don specialized personal protective equipment from the chemical spill kit.
  3. 3Apply absorbent material or spill control pads over the liquid to contain the spread.
  4. 4Collect the saturated materials and place them into a designated hazardous chemical waste container.
  5. 5Wash the contaminated floor surface thoroughly with a detergent and water solution.

Answer

The correct sequence is to first evacuate the area, then don appropriate chemical-resistant personal protective equipment, contain the spill with absorbent materials, dispose of the saturated waste in a hazardous container, and finally decontaminate the floor with detergent and water.
The correct sequence follows established occupational safety guidelines (OSHA/NIOSH) for hazardous chemical spills. The priority is always life safety (evacuation), followed by self-protection (donning specialized PPE). Only after securing the environment and the responder can the spill be safely contained with absorbents, disposed of in designated hazardous waste containers, and the surface finally decontaminated.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Restrict access to the room and evacuate unprotected personnel from the immediate area.
The area is cleared of individuals without protective gear.
Glutaraldehyde emits toxic fumes that irritate the respiratory tract and eyes. Removing personnel ensures life safety and prevents exposure.
2
Don specialized personal protective equipment from the chemical spill kit.
The responding nurse is fully protected from chemical exposure.
Nurses must ensure their own safety before attempting to clean a hazardous spill. Standard precautions are insufficient; a chemical respirator and heavy-duty gloves are required.
3
Apply absorbent material or spill control pads over the liquid to contain the spread.
The liquid glutaraldehyde is absorbed and stopped from spreading further.
Containment prevents the chemical from reaching drains or exposing a larger surface area to vaporization.
4
Collect the saturated materials and place them into a designated hazardous chemical waste container.
Saturated materials are securely isolated in a sealed, labeled receptacle.
Proper disposal complies with hazardous waste regulations and facility protocols, preventing secondary exposure to environmental services staff.
5
Wash the contaminated floor surface thoroughly with a detergent and water solution.
The physical environment is fully decontaminated.
Removing microscopic residues ensures the room is safe for regular use once ventilation has cleared the air.

Key Concept

Hazardous Chemical Spill Management
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Topics

Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

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