Module 1 – Unit 7: Language Focus
Universal Precautions in Health Care
There are universal precautions that health professionals need to follow against the exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Complete the sentences about standard precautions in the box below. Use one word for each space. List other safety regulations you are familiar with in your field. Then compare your ideas with the list of Universal Precautions in Health Care that follows.
Wear ________________________ when in contact with ____________________ or internal body fluid. |
Dispose of __________________________, sharps, and all other medical ________________________ in the proper containers. |
When splashing of _________________ ____________________ is anticipated, a _______________________, __________________________, and protective eye gear must be worn. |
Adapted from: John Hopkins Hospital and Health Systems Corporation. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/jhhr. Retrieved 03/14/05.
Other Precautions Relevant to Your Field |
|
Universal Precautions in Health Care
- Blood, body fluid/substances must be handled with personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of occupational exposure to transmission.
- Hand washing is required as soon as possible after removing gloves or other PPE, and before and after contact with patients and specimens.
- Gloves are required when hand exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials is anticipated. For example: venous access procedures, phlebotomy, IV starts.
- PPE such as gowns and disposable plastic aprons are required during procedures when splashing with blood, body fluid, and other potentially infectious materials is anticipated.
- PPE such as masks, face shields, ventilation devices, and protective eye wear are required during procedures when splashing, spraying, splatter, or droplets of blood and other potentially infectious materials to the eyes, nose, or mouth is anticipated.
- Masks are required for protection against airborne transmitted diseases such as tuberculosis.
- Used syringes and disposable sharps should be disposed of immediately at point of use in puncture resistant containers. Needles must not be recapped or manipulated in any way. Needleless systems will be implemented if an appropriate device is available.
- Laboratory specimens or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) should be processed and handled in a safe manner using biohazard symbols, secondary containers, or clear bags.
- Emergency resuscitation equipment such as ambubags, mouthpieces, pocket masks, and ventilation devices are required in resuscitation situations.
- Hepatitis B vaccination is strongly recommended for all employees who have potential for occupational exposure to blood and body fluids while performing procedures.