After drawing blood for analysis from a client with a peripheral nervous system problem, a nurse unintentionally drops the vial and blood spills onto the floor. What is the nurse's next best action?
A. Wipe the spill with disposable cloths and, if they are not dripping, discard the cloths in the trash.
B. Use absorbent pads to collect the blood, disposing of them in a labeled biohazard container or bag, and treat the spill site with a disinfectant.
C. Call the HazMat (hazardous materials) team for cleanup and disposal after con-taining the spill with a towel or other absorbent cloth.
D. Ask the housekeeper to clean the spill with a mop and dispose of the mop head in a labeled biohazard container or bag for incineration.
B
Blood is considered a biohazard and discarded blood or products contaminated with blood must be incinerated. Incineration is done after collection into a biohazard-designated container or bag and removed from the hospital. Because blood can carry and support microbial growth, a disin-fectant should be used to clean a spill.
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