Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. INFECTION CONTROL AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT THE BAG TECHNIQUE Most bags have the same basic equipment, with supplemental items for specific procedures carried in either the bag or separate containers. Basically, equipment includes: 1. Paper towels are used to dry hands and create an area to protect the family’s environment from the “dirty” outside of the bag and to protect the bag from environment microorganisms and/or allergens. Placing the bag on a paper towel or bed pad helps to prevent cross contamination from one client and/or nurse to another. It may be necessary to establish one area near the bag and running water for hand washing purposes and another near the client’s beside or location where care is provided. 2. Soap in container (cleansing agent). The nurse may use soap in the patient’s home, although bar soap can harbor organisms. In some instances, disposable pre-treated soap pads or cloths may be used if there are no running water facilities in the home. 3. Aprons (optional and are usually disposable) 4. Antiseptic wipes are used as a disinfectant for cleaning items (such as BP cuff), prior to returning to the bag. 5. Paper or plastic bags are used for disposal of waste materials and retrieved/disposal by the appropriated/contracted company. The nurse may use her/his judgement in disposing of materials into suitable waste containers in the home as an alternate method. Any infectious materials such as old dressings, disposable catheters, irrigation bags and plastic tubing are handled carefully, and discarded into appropriate containers. Syringes must be placed in approved containers for disposal and returned to the office for proper disposal, or using an approved Biomedical Waste discard contracted company. Needles are never to be recapped. ASSESSMENT EQUIPMENT 1. Thermometers with disposable sheaths. (It is preferred to use the client’s own thermometer in the home). 2. Sphygmomanometer with several sized cuffs for measuring the blood pressure of clients of varying age and size. 3. Stethoscope with bell and diaphragm for measuring blood pressure and auscultation or respiratory, circulatory and other appropriate systems. 4. Plastic-coated or metal tape measure for assessment of heart, chest and length measurements in children and assessment of limbs and joints. CPR shell, for emergency CPR procedure. 5. Penlight for assessing presence of light reflex in eyes, mouth and nasopharynx, in special instances, trasillumination. 6. Otoscope, ophthalmoscope and tongue blades for assessing head and neck (optional). SETTING UP Step One The bag is placed on a paper towel, bed pad, or Chux on a flat, open and clean as Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-134