Final answer:
Contaminated dressings with blood and pus should be discarded in a biohazard waste container, which is then either incinerated or autoclaved. Protective clothing should be worn when handling such waste to prevent infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dressing contaminated with blood and pus should be considered a biohazard and must be properly disposed of to prevent the spread of infection. According to safety protocols, contaminated dressings should be discarded in a specially marked biohazard waste container. These containers are designed for biohazardous materials and ensure that potentially infectious agents are safely contained until they can be incinerated or autoclaved, which are effective methods for sterilizing and eliminating biological hazards.
It's also important to wear protective clothing such as gloves and face protection when handling contaminated waste. After disposing of the dressing, protective garments should be properly removed, and hands should be washed with a detergent and warm water, followed by an antimicrobial solution, such as a 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach, to minimize the risk of infection or contaminant spread.