Final answer:
To clean a hazardous medication spill on a carpet, a nurse should use protective gear, saturate the area with disinfectant, allow it to sit, then clean and dispose of materials safely.
Step-by-step explanation:
To clean a spill of hazardous medication on a carpeted surface, the nurse should use appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and face protection, to prevent any contact with the skin. In case of a spill, the area should be thoroughly saturated with a suitable disinfectant, covered with paper towels, and allowed to sit for at least 10 minutes. This process helps to ensure that any bacteria or hazardous material is effectively killed.
After the waiting period, the paper towels should be carefully removed and disposed of in a biohazard waste container. The area should then be cleaned again with the disinfectant to ensure complete decontamination.
Additional safety measures include washing hands with soap after handling and disposing of any hazardous materials. It is important to follow proper disposal procedures for hazardous waste, such as incineration or autoclaving, to avoid environmental pollution. When using cleaning agents or hard-surface cleaners, it is crucial to choose those that are capable of killing bacteria and effectively cleaning the contaminated area.