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A nurse observes that an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) did not use a bag impervious to liquid for contaminated linen from a client who is on contact precautions. What is the nurse's best way to handle this situation?

1. Place the linen in an appropriate bag.
2. Write an incident report about the situation.
3. Review transmission-based precautions with the UAP.
4. Place an anecdotal summary of the behavior in the UAP's personnel record.

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The nurse should address the situation by reviewing transmission-based precautions with the UAP to ensure correct future practices and also handle the immediate issue by properly bagging the contaminated linen if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way to handle the situation where a UAP did not use an appropriate bag for contaminated linen is to review transmission-based precautions with the UAP. This immediate educational intervention can prevent future breaches in protocol and ensure the safety of patients and staff. If the linen has not yet been taken care of, the nurse should place it in the correct bag as well. The nurse's best way to handle this situation is to review transmission-based precautions with the UAP. This will help ensure that the UAP understands the importance of using a bag impervious to liquid for contaminated linen from a client on contact precautions. By providing education and reminding the UAP of proper infection control protocols, the nurse can help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Handling contaminated waste correctly is crucial in healthcare settings, and proper training is essential for all personnel, including UAPs. Healthcare providers should wear protective clothing and practice aseptic techniques to maintain a sterile environment and prevent the spread of infection. In this case, after addressing the immediate issue and reinforcing proper procedures with the UAP, documenting the incident could be considered if the action is part of a pattern or severe non-compliance.

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