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S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4
plies might not operate smoothly, might interfere with surgical techniques
and might not meet patient safety or medical integrity standards in the
minds of surgeons or other providers. If your surgeons or staff reject devices
that you've trialed, and if more training from vendors' reps isn't the answer,
be sure that the exposure control plan notes their evaluations and reasons
for rejection.
Which type of sharp causes the most injuries?
a.
scalpel blade
c.
disposable syringe
b.
suture needle
d.
IV catheter stylet
Answer:
c
According to the CDC, 30% of sharps injuries are caused by disposable
syringes, followed by suture needles (20%), scalpel blades (8%) and IV catheter
stylets (5%). Overall, 56% of sharps injuries are suffered from hollow-bore nee-
dles, which also include winged steel and phlebotomy needles. Train staff to
single-handedly recap needles by scooping the cap rather than attempting to
fit it on. Make the switch to needle-free IV systems, if you haven't already.
With suture needles, use blunt versions or a grasper rather than fingers to
load, retract tissue, stitch and dispose. Make sure sharps disposal containers
are conveniently placed and that they're replaced when three-fourths full.
Double-gloving is an effective
sharps safety prevention practice.
a.
true
b.
false
Answer:
a
S H A R P S S A F E T Y
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
BOXED AND READY Take as much
care disposing of sharps as you do
handling them.
