STANDARD PRECAUTIONS (CNA: chapter 5)

• Wash your hands

• before putting on gloves. Wash your hands immediately after removing your gloves. Be careful not touch clean objects with your used gloves.

• Wear gloves

• if you may come into contact with any of the following: blood, body fluids or secretions; broken or open skin, such as abrasions, acne, cuts, stiches, or staples; or mucous membranes. Such contact occurs during mouth care; toilet assistance, perineal care; helping with bedpan or urinal; ostomy care; cleaning up spills; cleaning up basins, urinals, bedpans, and other containers with body fluids

• Remove gloves

• immediately when finished with a procedure and wash your hands

• Wear a disposable gown

• that is resistant to body fluids if you may come into contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or when splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids is likely. If a resident has a contagious illness, wear a gown even if it not likely you will come into contact with blood or bodily fluid

• Wear a mask and protective goggles and/or a face shield

• if you may come into contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or splashing or spraying of blood of body fluids is likely (for example, when emptying a bedpan).

• Wear gloves and use caution when handling razor blades, needles, and other sharps.

Avoid nicks and cuts when shaving residents

Biohazard containers used for sharps are puncture-resistant and leakproof. They are clearly labeled and warn of the danger of the contents inside.

They must close and be warn of the danger of the contents inside.

• Never attempt to recap needles or sharps after use

• You might stick yourself. Dispose of them in a biohazard container for sharps.

• Carefully bag all contaminated supplies.

• Dispose of them according to facility policy.

• Clearly label body fluids that are being saved for a specimen with the resident’s name, date of birth, room number, date, and a biohazard label.

• Keep them in a container with a lid. Put in a biohazard specimen bag for transportation if required.

• Dispose of contaminated wastes according to your facility’s policy.

• Waste containing blood of body fluids is considered biohazardous waste.

Liquid waste can usually be disposed through the regular sewer system as long as there is no splashing, spraying, or aerosolizing of the waste as it is being disposed.