Proper Technique When Applying Safety Guard

Proper technique when applying safety guard to needles that help prevent needle sticks
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Proper technique when applying safety guard to needles that help prevent needle sticks
The identified problem is the fact that the nursing staffs at the hospital’s dialysis unit do not have proper technique when applying safety guard to needles which help prevent needle sticks. The occupation of haemodialysis nursing has frequent exposure to needles. Needle stick injuries (NSIs) refer to the unintentional puncturing of the skin using a needle during a medical intervention. As a result of the accidental exposure to blood thanks to the NSI, the nursing staff could get infection of blood-borne viruses (BBV) for instance human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus (Anderson, 2010). The dialysis nursing staff members carry out the haemodialysis functions and have a high risk of needle stick injuries. It is of great importance that safe practices be adopted by nurses in the dialysis unit to prevent the incidences of NSIs.
Proposed solution to the nursing problem
Incidences of NSIs have to be aimed at zero occurrences. Extraordinary caution has to be taken in order to avert injuries to the hands caused by sharp devices and instruments such as scalpels, needles and syringes during procedures; when cleaning devices and instruments which have been utilized; and when disposing needles that have been utilized (Chenoweth, 2013). After using disposable scalpel blades, needles and syringes, they have to be put in containers that are puncture-resistant for disposal afterward. The rigid puncture-proof container should be close to hand at all times so as to avert the temptation of recapping (Perry, Robinson & Jagger, 2011).
Furthermore, NSIs can be prevented by observing the following: syringes must never be re-sheathed or recapped, that is, any used needle must not be put back inside its original cover. They should also not be intentionally broken or bent (Anderson, 2010). In addition, the nursing staffs at the dialysis unit should utilize proper protective outfits for instance gowns, mouth mask and gloves that are appropriate when performing haemodialysis. Double gloving should be used instead of single gloving. Every extra layer of protective barrier, for instance several gloves, decreases by a considerable margin the threat of infectious agents that are present on the outside of the syringe (Mehta et al., 2010). A needle-free delivery method can also be utilized to prevent NSIs. Researchers have reported an absent or reduced risk of NSI when employing a needle-free delivery mechanism with safeguard methods such as blunt-tipped syringes or safety barrel (Perry, Robinson & Jagger, 2011). Other techniques include: not to put used syringes on the workbench but must be disposed of immediately; sharps container has to be put within easy reach at the location of use; never walk while carrying a needle that has been used; and ensur...