Sharps Injuries in Healthcare Settings

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason why injuries with contaminated needles are a concern in healthcare settings?

They pose the risk of transmitting blood-borne viruses (correct)

They are difficult to treat

They can lead to skin infections

They can cause allergic reactions

Which of the following is a recommended safety measure for handling sharps?

Dispose of sharps in regular waste bins

Wear gloves when handling sharps (correct)

Recap needles after use

Pinch the skin minimally for subcutaneous injections

What is the significance of anchoring the vein below the insertion site when drawing blood or placing an IV line?

It prevents blood clot formation

It speeds up the procedure

It helps reduce the risk of needle sticks (correct)

It improves patient comfort

Which of the following is NOT a part of sharps safety protocol?

Recapping needles Signup and view all the answers

What action should be avoided when handling sharps to prevent risks in healthcare settings?

Recapping needles before disposal Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk factor associated with sharp injuries according to the text?

Reusing needles Signup and view all the answers

Why can fatigue and stress contribute to sharp injuries?

They can impair judgement and focus Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of underreporting sharp injuries?

Hindering necessary interventions Signup and view all the answers

Why are high-risk procedures like administering injections considered a risk factor for sharp injuries?

They involve direct exposure to sharps Signup and view all the answers

How can inadequate safety devices contribute to sharp injuries?

By lacking proper protection for healthcare professionals Signup and view all the answers

What role does lack of proper training play in the risk of sharp injuries?

It increases awareness about safe needle practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the sterile technique?

To eliminate germs entirely Signup and view all the answers

Which technique involves meticulous handwashing and sterile instruments?

Sterile Technique Signup and view all the answers

What does 'sterile to sterile' rule in sterile technique entail?

Avoiding contact between sterile instruments and nonsterile surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which activity would typically require the clean technique?

Emptying a urinary catheter drainage bag Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the clean technique?

To minimize transmission of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

When is the term 'non-sterile' often used?

To describe clean technique procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of aseptic technique in pharmacy?

To minimize the transfer of organisms Signup and view all the answers

Which type of medication is commonly administered via intravenous (IV) injections?

Antibiotics, analgesics, and anticoagulants Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ophthalmic preparations in pharmacy?

To apply directly to the eyes for various eye conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which respiratory conditions are inhalation solutions commonly used for?

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Signup and view all the answers

What are topical antiseptics and disinfectants primarily applied to in pharmacy?

The skin or mucous membranes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common example of sterile pharmacy products?

Antibiotics for oral use Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of aseptic techniques in healthcare settings?

To maintain a sterile environment and prevent infection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of infection, according to the text?

Colonization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a laminar airflow hood in a clean room in compounding pharmacies?

To maintain a sterile environment Signup and view all the answers

How do sterile objects become non-sterile according to the text?

By coming into contact with non-sterile surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the No Touch Technique primarily used for in healthcare?

Changing surface dressings without directly touching the wound Signup and view all the answers

Why should only necessary health personnel be present during an operation to maintain a sterile environment?

To avoid unnecessary contamination of the environment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sharps Injuries and Safety

Definition: Sharps injuries refer to any penetration of the skin caused by needles, scalpels, broken glass, or other sharp objects contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.
Risks: Transmission of blood-borne viruses, costly to personnel and the healthcare system.

Sharps Safety Precautions

Wear gloves when handling sharps.
Never recap a needle.
Anchor the vein below the insertion site when drawing blood or placing an IV line.
"Pinch an inch" of skin for subcutaneous injections.
Dispose of sharps in the appropriate container.

Aseptic Technique

Purpose: Prevention of transfer of organisms from one person to another by keeping the microbe count to an irreducible minimum.
Strategies: Sterilization of tools and equipment, environmental controls, and no-touch technique.

Sterile Pharmacy Products

Injectable medications (IV, IM, SC injections)
Intravenous (IV) solutions
Ophthalmic preparations (eye drops, ointments, or gels)
Inhalation solutions (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, mucolytics)
Topical antiseptics and disinfectants

No-Touch Technique

Method of changing surface dressings without directly touching the wound or any surface that might come in contact with the wound.

Colonization and Infection

Colonization: Presence of microorganisms without signs and/or symptoms of infection.
Infection: Presence of microorganisms with signs and/or symptoms of the disease.

Contact Guidelines

Sterile objects become non-sterile if they contact a non-sterile item or surface.
Importance of proper hand hygiene and avoiding contact with non-sterile surfaces.

Risk Factors Associated with Sharp Injuries

Lack of proper training
Fatigue and stress
Improper handling and disposal
Needle reuse
High-risk procedures
Inadequate safety devices
Environmental factors
Underreporting

Clean Technique

Strategies to reduce the overall number of microorganisms or prevent transmission.
Used for: Giving injections, emptying urinary catheter drainage bags, giving bed baths, inserting/removing peripheral IVs, removing urinary catheters.

Sterile Technique

Strategies to maintain objects and areas as free from microorganisms as possible.
Used in: Dressing change procedures, application of sterile dressings, and maintaining a sterile field.

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Description

Learn about sharps injuries in healthcare settings, including the risks they pose to patients and healthcare providers. Understand the importance of safe injection practices and preventing infections from contaminated needles and sharp devices.