Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardHandling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

A nurse is managing the disposal and handling of various items during a clinical shift. Which of the following actions demonstrate the correct protocol for handling hazardous and infectious materials? (Select all that apply)

  1. Placing a surgical dressing that is saturated and dripping with blood into a red biohazard waste bagAnswer
  2. Disposing of an intact, empty glass medication vial into a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps containerAnswer
  3. C
    Double-bagging the standard room trash prior to removal from the room of a client on Contact Precautions
  4. D
    Directing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to transport a blood specimen container that has visible blood on its exterior
  5. E
    Discarding a disposable incontinence pad containing urine from a client with cystitis into a red biohazard bag
  6. Engaging the safety shield on a used syringe needle before discarding it immediately into the sharps containerAnswer

Answer

The correct actions are placing blood-saturated dressings in a red biohazard bag, disposing of intact glass vials in a sharps container, and engaging the needle safety shield prior to disposal.
The correct actions reflect strict adherence to standard precautions and waste management protocols. Items saturated with blood or body fluids that can be released upon compression meet the definition of regulated medical waste and require red biohazard bags. Glass vials pose a puncture risk and must be placed in rigid sharps containers regardless of whether they are intact. Engaging the safety mechanism on needles immediately after use prevents accidental needlestick injuries.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the requirement for red biohazard bags.
Identify that only items saturated with blood or other potentially infectious materials that release fluid upon compression require biohazard disposal, whereas routine urine or feces go in standard trash.
To properly segregate regulated medical waste from standard waste and adhere to infection control standards.
2
Determine proper sharps disposal procedures.
Identify that both used needles (with safety shields engaged) and intact glass vials must go into rigid sharps containers.
To prevent puncture and laceration injuries to healthcare workers and environmental services staff.
3
Assess transport and environmental containment protocols.
Recognize that specimen containers must be clean on the outside before transport and that routine double-bagging of isolation trash is unnecessary.
To minimize fomite transmission, ensure safe delegation, and follow evidence-based guidelines.

Key Concept

Segregation of regulated medical waste, sharps disposal, and biohazard containment
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

More questions from this topic