Can you spot unsafe practice? As you review the following pictures, roll your mouse over the areas where the nurse could make some changes in practice. Do you see any additional areas for improvement?
To reduce the risk of touch contamination, avoid spiking IV bags that contain hazardous drugs. Attach and prime all tubing in the pharmacy with non-drug solution before adding hazardous drugs (ASHP, 1990; OSHA, 1995).
Always consider the possibility of contamination on the outside of containers. Do not touch containers without wearing PPE.
To reduce the risk of touch contamination, avoid reaching into sealed bags used to transport drugs without PPE.
Aerosolization and inhalation can occur when expelling air from a syringe containing a hazardous drug. Outer pair of gloves needs to be over the gown cuff.
Avoid overfilling syringes. Syringes that are more than three-fourths full increase the risk of separation of the plunger and spillage of the drug. Place a disposable, absorbent, plastic-backed pad underneath the work area to absorb droplets of the drug that may spill.
Alternative: Use a closed system. Place a gauze pad under the syringe at the injection port to catch droplets during administration.
Alternative: Use a closed system.
Bonus Point: Do not use the hand to administer vesicant chemotherapy.
Discard all contaminated material and PPE in a waste container designated for cytotoxic waste, not in a red bag.
Click the scenarios above in order to view the image of improper safe handling practices.