What precautions should the nurse implement when working with instruments that were used on a patient who was HIV positive?
A)Use ethylene oxide as a chemical method of sterilization.
B)Use a washer-disinfector before steam sterilization.
C)Always use flash sterilization for any high-risk materials.
D)Use the same precautions as for any instruments used for any other patient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should use the same precautions as for any instruments used for any other patient. According to standard precaution principles, all items that have come in contact with blood and body fluids should be considered potentially infected with pathogens that can transmit disease. Instruments potentially contaminated with HIV should undergo high-level disinfection and sterilization, based on the type of instrument and its heat-bearing capacity. All instruments should be cleaned in this method, regardless of HIV status.

What Precautions Should the Nurse Implement When Working with Instruments