Care Of The Ward, Equipment And Linen Flashcards
What is the primary duty of a nurse regarding ward equipment?
To clean and maintain all ward equipment after use or after a patient is discharged.
How are walls in hospital wards typically finished to facilitate cleaning?
With an oil paint or tiles.
How often are theatre walls washed?
Daily and usually in between procedures.
What safety measure do theatre staff take to prevent the spread of microbes?
They change their shoes in theatre.
What should be done before cleaning lamps?
Turn off electricity to avoid electric shock.
How should stainless steel be cleaned?
Wash with soap and water, rinse well, and dry.
What cleaning materials should be used in the bathroom and sluice room?
Soap, scouring powder, and disinfectant.
What solution should be used if hot water is not available for flushing bedpans?
Savlon 1:100 or 0.5% chlorine solution.
What is the recommended procedure for cleaning toilets?
Sprinkle with Harpic or a suitable disinfectant, leave for at least half an hour, scrub with a brush, and flush.
What should be done with sputum mugs after use?
Empty and flush with cold water, wash in hot soapy water, and then disinfect.
What is the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the ward kitchen?
To prevent flies and maintain high standards of cleanliness.
What should be done with crockery used by infected patients?
It should be separated from the rest and cleaned separately.
How frequently should the ward refrigerator be washed?
Frequently to prevent growth of microbes.
What should be done with waste foods in the kitchen?
Place in a closed bin.
What is the role of the maintenance department in the hospital?
To carry out general repairs such as fixing dripping taps and broken beds.
What does ‘linen’ refer to in a hospital context?
Clothing materials such as pyjamas, bed sheets, blankets, counterpanes, and draw sheets.
What should be done with soiled linen?
Take it to the laundry immediately.
How should wet linen be managed?
Washed immediately to prevent growth of fungi.
What should be done before taking linen to the laundry?
Count it and record on a laundry form for accountability.
How should blood and stool stains be treated before laundry?
Sluiced with cold water.
What is the procedure for soaking infected linen?
Soak in disinfectant for 1 hour before taking to the laundry.
What is the purpose of covering mattresses and pillows with plastic?
For easy washing and drying after use.
What type of material should chairs be made from in the hospital?
Material that is easy to clean.
What should be done with damaged chairs in the ward?
Remove them to prevent accidents.
