A nurse is providing care for a client who has a heavily draining wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). When handling the infectious materials, laboratory specimens, and waste in this room, which of the following actions by the nurse are correct? Select all that apply.
- Disposing of wound dressings that are saturated with purulent drainage into a red biohazard bag.Answer
- Enclosing the sealed wound culture tube inside a secondary biohazard transport bag before sending it to the laboratory.Answer
- Placing soiled linens into a designated, leak-proof laundry bag before exiting the client's room.Answer
- DDouble-bagging all infectious waste bags prior to removal from the client's room as a routine standard.
- EInstructing the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to sort and determine which of the soiled room items require specialized biohazard disposal.
Answer
The correct actions include disposing of saturated dressings in a red biohazard bag, using a secondary biohazard bag for laboratory specimens, and placing soiled linens in a leak-proof bag inside the client's room.
The correct actions align with established infection control protocols for handling infectious materials. Saturated dressings pose an exposure risk and belong in a red biohazard bag. All laboratory specimens require a secondary biohazard transport bag to prevent leaks during transit. Soiled linens must be bagged inside the client's room in a leak-proof container to prevent cross-contamination of the hospital environment.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Proper containment, handling, and disposal of hazardous and infectious materials