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Question

Difficulty: EasyHandling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

A nurse is performing wound care for a client and removes an abdominal dressing that is completely saturated with blood and purulent drainage. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take when disposing of the soiled dressing?

  1. A
    Place the dressing into the standard trash receptacle inside the client's room
  2. B
    Dispose of the dressing in a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container
  3. Discard the dressing in a designated red biohazard waste receptacleAnswer
  4. D
    Double-bag the dressing in standard clear plastic bags and place it in the hallway bin

Answer

Discard the dressing in a designated red biohazard waste receptacle.
The correct action is to discard the heavily soiled dressing in a red biohazard waste receptacle. According to standard precautions and occupational safety standards, items that are saturated, dripping, or caked with blood or potentially infectious body fluids must be placed in a clearly marked red biohazard bag. This ensures the waste receives specialized processing and protects healthcare workers and environmental staff from exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the item requiring disposal for the presence of blood or body fluids.
The abdominal dressing is identified as completely saturated with blood and purulent drainage.
Determining the level of saturation and type of fluid dictates the correct waste stream.
2
Select the appropriate waste receptacle based on infection control guidelines.
A red biohazard bag is chosen for disposal.
OSHA guidelines and standard precautions mandate that items heavily soiled with blood or infectious materials must go into biohazard waste.
3
Dispose of the item immediately in the chosen receptacle.
The dressing is placed in the designated red biohazard waste receptacle.
Prompt and proper disposal minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and environmental exposure.

Key Concept

Safe Disposal of Biohazardous and Infectious Materials
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

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