After use, dressing and gauze are disposed of in?

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2019

Explanation

Used dressings and gauze are classified as 'soiled waste' because they are contaminated with potentially infectious materials like blood and body fluids.
As per the Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) Rules, 2016, soiled waste must be segregated at the point of generation into yellow-colored, non-chlorinated plastic bags or bins.
This waste is then sent for high-temperature treatment methods like incineration or plasma pyrolysis, or secured deep burial, to ensure complete destruction of microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection.

Option A: The black coloured bin is designated for general, non-infectious waste, similar to household waste (e.g., paper wrappers, food waste, water bottles). Dressings are infectious waste.
Option B: The red coloured bin is used for contaminated but recyclable plastic waste. While dressings might be found in a clinical setting with plastics, they are not recyclable and are classified differently.
Option D: The blue coloured bin is reserved for contaminated glassware and metallic implants. Dressings and gauze are made of fabric/cotton, not glass or metal.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste (BMW) Management and Color Coding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper waste segregation is a fundamental responsibility of a nurse to prevent cross-contamination and hospital-acquired infections (nosocomial infections).
Incorrect disposal of biomedical waste poses a significant health risk to healthcare workers, sanitation staff, and the general community, and can lead to environmental pollution.
What if the item was a syringe with a used needle? In that case, the entire syringe with the attached needle should be disposed of in a puncture-proof, translucent white container, not separated, to prevent needlestick injuries.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the type of waste mentioned in the question. Here, it is 'dressing and gauze'.
Next, classify this waste based on its properties. Used dressings are contaminated with body fluids, making them 'soiled waste', which is infectious.
Recall the standard color-coding system for Biomedical Waste Management.
Match the waste category ('soiled waste') to the correct color-coded bin. Soiled waste always goes into the yellow bin.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Q8djOgeMY7BlHYaAEoUlfn

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 180-182, 181-183

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 191-193

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