Final answer:
Precautions to avoid personal exposure to microorganisms when transporting and processing contaminated patient care items include proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
When transporting and processing contaminated patient care items, precautions need to be taken to avoid personal exposure to microorganisms through proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Personnel should wear a protective coat, face protection, and cut-resistant gloves while handling contaminated items or working with infected patients. Any contact with skin should be immediately washed with detergent and warm water, followed by washing with 1 N NaOH or a 1:10 dilution of bleach. Contaminated waste should be incinerated or autoclaved in a strong basic solution, and instruments should be cleaned and soaked in a strong basic solution.
It is also important to control the growth and abundance of microbes in or on frequently used items through regular cleaning and disinfection. Items that may harbor microbes and aid in disease transmission, such as doorknobs and towels, are called fomites. The level of cleanliness required depends on the application and the resistance of potential pathogens to antimicrobial treatments.