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Question

Difficulty: EasyHandling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

A nurse is changing an abdominal wound dressing for a postoperative client. Upon removal, the nurse notes that the gauze is heavily saturated and dripping with bright red blood. In which of the following receptacles should the nurse dispose of this dressing?

  1. A red biohazard bagAnswer
  2. B
    A standard clear trash bag
  3. C
    A rigid, puncture-proof sharps container
  4. D
    A yellow trace chemotherapy waste bag

Answer

A red biohazard bag
The correct answer identifies the red biohazard bag. According to OSHA and standard infection control guidelines, regulated medical waste includes items that are heavily saturated with blood or body fluids to the point that they could release infectious material if compressed. These items must be segregated from regular trash and placed in a clearly marked red biohazard bag to ensure safe handling and sterilization (usually via incineration or autoclaving) before final disposal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nature of the waste material being handled.
The item is a gauze dressing heavily saturated and dripping with blood.
Classifying the type of waste is the first step in determining the correct infection control and disposal protocol.
2
Recall OSHA and CDC guidelines for regulated medical waste.
Items saturated with blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) that could release fluid when compressed require special disposal.
Proper disposal prevents environmental contamination and protects environmental services staff from bloodborne pathogens.
3
Select the appropriate waste receptacle based on the waste classification.
A red biohazard bag is chosen.
Red biohazard bags are universally designated for non-sharp, infectious medical waste.

Key Concept

Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste (Biohazards)
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

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