sharps injury Flashcards
what are sharps?
needles, blades and other medical instruments that are necessary for carrying out healthcare work and could cause an injury by cutting/pricking skin
why is it important to empty pockets before removing scrubs?
sharps left in pockets
who is responsible for sharps disposal?
the person using the sharp
why are sharps containers stored at waist height?
floor could get kicked over
access for children
what rules are in place for sharps containers?
temporary closure (1) when not in use
lid firmly in place
dont fill above line
details completed when assembled and prior to disposal
what is blue lid used for?
medicine
eg LA cartridges with local
what is orange lid used for?
sharps
what effect does the px right to decline have on sharps injury?
impact student
eg can refuse blood taken for testing
could have blood borne virus
what should you do if you receive a sharps injury?
Are you injured?
Remove gloves
Check area carefully
stop and investigate
what do you do if you think you could have sustained an injury?
stop procedure take off gloves tell supervising clinician investigate injury site, confirm no injury before tx dispose of used sharp and start again
why do students not perform risk assessment?
strictly confidential
not written in px notes
risk assessment destroyed after occupational health called
student doesnt get blood sample taken in dh
where does student info go in a DATIX for injured student?
person affected section
where does student info go in a DATIX for injured px?
witness
what are the blood borne viruses and risk?
HBV 1 in 3 -vaccine
HCV 1 in 30
HIV 1 in 300
what will happen after exposure?
immediate access to medical advice
PEP w/i hour
medical tx
counselling offered
