LA symposium sharps injuries

Question 1

What are sharps?

Answer 1

• ‘sharps’ are needles, blades (such as scalpels) and other medical instruments that are necessary for carrying out healthcare work and could cause an injury by cutting or pricking the skin

Question 2

Who is responsible for sharps disposal?

Answer 2

• It is the responsibility of the person (user/operator) using the sharp to dispose of the sharp correctly and safely

Question 3

What do you need to ensure is done with a sharps container? (4 points)

Answer 3

• The temporary closure mechanism should be closed when the container is not in use
• The lid should be firmly closed in place
• Do not fill above the line - the container should be closed once the line is reached
• All details should be completed when the container is assembled and prior to disposal

Question 4

When should you dispose a sharp in a blue container?

Answer 4

If there is medicine left in the syringe

Question 5

When should you dispose a sharp in the orange container?

Answer 5

• If there is no medicine left in the syringe

Question 6

Does a patient have the right to decline having bloods taken after the operator has obtained a sharps injury?

Answer 6

• Yes

Question 7

What does the acronym ARC mean?

Answer 7

A- are you injured?

R - Remove your gloves

C - Check the area carefully

Question 8

If you think you have had a sharps injury what should you do?

Answer 8

• STOP what you are doing
• Take off your gloves
• Get the supervising clinician immediately and explain situation
• Investigate ‘injury’ sight, confirm NO injury has occurred before commencing with treatment
• Dispose of used sharp and start again with new sharp
• Even if there is NO injury DO NOT use the same sharp

Question 9

If the student is injured what should be included in the DATIX form?

Answer 9

• Students details must be added into the person affected section

Question 10

If the student is injured what should be included in the DATIX form? (3 points)

Answer 10

• Patients details entered into person affected
• Student details added as a witness
• Student number to be added into the summary of event

Question 11

What is he risk of getting HBV?

Answer 11

• 1 in 3

- Effective vaccine available and is essential

Question 12

What is the risk of getting HCV?

Answer 12

• 1 in 30

- No vaccine available

Question 13

What is the risk of getting HIV?

Answer 13

• 1 in 300

- No vaccine available