ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS OF BODY SUBSTANCE.

It is the responsibility of the nurse to assess, plan, and implement the appropriate isolation precautions. So be proactive.

First and foremost you must assume that every patient is infected no matter their diagnosis. This precautionary measures should be everyone responsibility. These are as follows:

1.Handwashing. It is important to use good handwashing techniques before,after and in between each patient. Avoid long fingernails which can harbor infections.

2.Wear gloves when coming intact with body fluids, mucous membranes, open wound,saliva,blood, vagina secretion,and faeces .In every patient room there are disposable gloves and needles disposable sharp containers. Sometimes people have concerns about how protective are the gloves.Latex and vinyl gloves provide equal barrier protection. But it seems like latex is stronger and more durable and latex composition can be resealable automatically if there is a tiny puncture. However latex have caused some allergic reaction to so many. Such as systemic anaphylaxis and hives.Please follow your facility policy and procedures. Better gloves that offer better protection have been developed.

3.Wear a mask and eye protective gear ,so that you can protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth or nose from splatter body fluids. In cases of suctioning a tracheostomy of patient or assisting in invasive procedures may lead to the splattering of body fluids and blood.

So wearing of mask and eye gear becomes important. Mask will help you from inhaling large particles of aerosols which travels short distance. And droplets nuclei which will not only remain in the air but can travel long distance. Masks helps me to prevent touching my mouth, nose ,even my eye.And Studies show that the same thing applies to most people. Wear masks for your protection. Never lower your masks around the neck and brought back to mouth and nose .Change the mask before it becomes dampened by your exhalations.N95 masks are used for tuberculosis ,this will protect health care professionals from virulent drug- resistant type of tuberculosis and COVID19.

4.Uncapped needles,capped needles and all sharp instrument, should be placed in a puncture proof container. And should be emptied by housekeepers when it is 2/3 full.Do not bend or break needles. Place in a disposable sharp containers. Follow your facility policy and procedures.

5.Isolation gowns. It is important to wear isolation gown when coming in contact with body substances. Sometimes we ran out of Isolation supply precautionary carts.So we have to improvise. So we(nurses) have table outside patient room with supplies such as gowns,eye goggles(protective eyegear), masks and gloves. These supplies must be replenished on a regular basis.Gown should be worn once and discarded.

6.Soiled linens: Soiled linens are properly secured before transporting to laundry room for washing. There are soiled utility rooms in each unit in the hospital were dirty equipment and unclean stuff are kept. Follow your facility policy and procedures on how to dispose trash.Trash are secured properly before disposing.

NB: Please note that signs of isolation are strategically placed in each floor.And the TB rooms are the negative pressure rooms with anteroom in between. Familiarize yourself with your department.

Question:

The nurse is aware of substance Isolation precautions. While caring for incontinent patients. She is aware that.

A.She can wear same glove in between patients as long as the gloves are intact.

B.She does not need to wear gloves.

C.Once you wear gloves, you don’t need to wash your hands.

D.The wearing of long fingernails and rings can compromise the safety of the gloves.

Answer: Correct answer is D.

Rationale:

Long fingernails will lead to tearing of the gloves which will create room for contamination of the hands of the nurse.Gloves cannot be used between patients. It must be changed in between patients. It is important to wear gloves after washing your hands. Gloves according to CDC does not substitute hands washing.