In a hospital, non-infectious wastes should be discarded in?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2019

Explanation

According to biomedical waste management guidelines, non-infectious general waste is collected in black colored bags.
This category includes waste that is not contaminated with blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials.
Examples include kitchen waste, paper, cardboard, packaging, and beverage containers.
This waste is handled similarly to municipal or household waste and is typically disposed of in a sanitary landfill.

Option A: Red colored bags are designated for contaminated recyclable waste, which is considered infectious.
Option B: Blue colored bags or puncture-proof containers are used for discarded or broken glassware and metallic implants.
Option D: Yellow colored bags are used for highly infectious waste, such as human anatomical waste, soiled dressings, and expired cytotoxic drugs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Biomedical Waste Management Color Coding helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Proper waste segregation is a legal requirement under the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules and is fundamental to infection control and hospital safety.
Incorrect disposal, such as placing infectious waste in a black bag, can lead to the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis to sanitation workers and the general public.
Nurses have a primary responsibility to ensure correct waste segregation at the point of generation (e.g., at the patient's bedside, in the treatment room).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'non-infectious wastes'. This is the crucial piece of information.
Next, recall the standard color-coding system for biomedical waste management used in healthcare facilities.
Systematically review the purpose of each color-coded bag:
Yellow: Highly infectious (anatomical, soiled waste)
Red: Contaminated recyclable plastics
White: Sharps

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) pp. 191-193, 194-196

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 109-111

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