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Bloodborne Pathogens—The Case of the Potential Needlestick

P O W E R P O I N T ® T R A I N I N G



Bloodborne Pathogens

Disease causing microorganisms present in human blood

Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)

Hepatitis BHepatitis C


Take a Look at the Facts

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) working in a hospital

Contracts infectious hepatitisNo specific needlestick

is documentedShe cares for patients

later diagnosed with hepatitis

Take a Look at the Facts (cont.)

Employee tests positive for non-A and non-B hepatitis

She develops cirrhosis, then liver failureShe dies four years after positive hepatitis test



What Do You Think Went Wrong?

How do you think she became infected?Why was no exposure incident report filed?Do you think this worker assumed all her

patients carried bloodborne pathogens?What can healthcare professionals do to

prevent needlestick injuries?Do you think the hospital had an Exposure

Control Plan?


Let’s Review the Causes

Possible needlestick incidentSafe needlestick practices may not have

been followedIf there was an incident, it was not reportedHospital Exposure Control Plan not followedPPE possibly not worn


Transmission of BBPs

Contact with potentially infectious body fluidsMucous membranes:

eyes, nose, mouthNonintact skinContaminated

needles or sharps


Treat all blood and body fluids as if contaminated Wear protective clothing

Keys to Controlling Exposure

Clean contaminated equipment and work surfaces

Dispose of medical waste properly

Report potential exposure incidents


Don’t Let It Happen to You

Use universal precautionsUnderstand potential exposure in the workplaceProtect your skin and mucous membranesDispose of sharps and other medical wasteDisinfect tools and work surfacesImmediately wash if exposedReport exposure


Quiz

1. Describe the main concept of “Universal Precautions.”

2. What solution can you make to disinfect equipment and work surfaces?

3. Name one way you might be exposed to human blood in your workplace.

4. What does the term “bloodborne pathogens” mean?

Quiz (cont.)

5. Name two symptoms of hepatitis B.

6. How are bloodborne pathogens transmitted?

7. How should you protect yourself when doing first aid on a bleeding victim?

8. Why should you report potential exposure incidents?



Quiz Answers

1. Q. Describe the main concept of “UniversalPrecautions.”

A. Treat all blood and body fluids as if contaminated with bloodborne pathogens.

2. Q. What solution can you make to disinfectequipment and work surfaces?

A. Bleach and water.

Quiz Answers (cont.)

3. Q. Name one way you might be exposed to humanblood in your workplace.

A. Responding to an injury, cleaning up contaminated equipment, handling needles, etc.

4. Q. What does the term “bloodborne pathogens” mean?

A. Disease-causing microorganisms found inhuman blood.



5. Q. Name two symptoms of hepatitis B. A. Jaundice, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, liver disease.

6. Q. How are bloodborne pathogens transmitted? A. Mucous membranes, broken skin, injection.

7. Q. How should you protect yourself when doingfirst aid on a bleeding victim?

A. Wear gloves and eye protection.



8. Q. Why should you report potential exposureincidents?

A. Medical evaluation and treatment.


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