A registered nurse is precepting a newly licensed nurse on the safe handling and disposal of hazardous and infectious materials. Which statement by the newly licensed nurse indicates a correct understanding of the facility protocols?
- AI should dispose of intact, empty glass vials used for non-hazardous intravenous medications into a red biohazardous waste bag.
- BI can delegate the cleanup of a small, localized chemotherapy medication spill on the floor to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
- CIf a client's cardiac monitor alarms while I am bagging infectious waste, I will immediately leave the room to assess them without removing my contaminated gloves.
- I must discard the gown and gloves worn during the administration of antineoplastic agents into a designated trace chemotherapy waste container.Answer
Answer
The correct understanding is that personal protective equipment worn during the administration of antineoplastic agents must be discarded into a designated trace chemotherapy waste container.
Personal protective equipment worn during the administration of chemotherapy is considered trace contaminated. It must be disposed of in a designated trace chemotherapy receptacle (typically yellow) to ensure proper incineration, rather than in regular trash or red biohazard bags.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper segregation of medical waste is critical for maintaining environmental safety. Trace chemotherapy waste (like PPE) goes in yellow bins, infectious waste saturated with blood goes in red bags, and sharps go in rigid containers. Proper delegation and adherence to infection control, even in emergencies, are mandatory.
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