Needles, syringes, scalpels and blades are disposed in:

OSSSC Nursing Officer-2021

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2021

Explanation

According to the Bio-Medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016, items that can cause punctures or cuts are classified as sharps waste.
This category includes needles, syringes with fixed needles, scalpels, and blades.
The designated container for sharps waste is a white (translucent), puncture-proof, leak-proof, and tamper-proof container.
This specific container is designed to prevent accidental injuries and contain the potentially infectious material safely.

Option A: The black bag is used for general, non-infectious waste, such as office stationery, leftover food, and paper wrappers. It is not for any form of biomedical waste.
Option C: The yellow bag is designated for human anatomical waste (e.g., tissues, organs), soiled waste (e.g., dressings, cotton swabs), expired medicines, and chemical waste.
Option D: The red bag is for contaminated but recyclable waste. This includes plastic items like IV tubing, catheters, gloves, and syringes without the needle. The question specifies items with sharp points or edges.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) Color Coding for Sharps Disposal as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adherence to BMW guidelines is a legal requirement and a cornerstone of infection control in all healthcare settings.
Improper disposal of sharps is a major cause of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers, which can lead to the transmission of serious diseases like HIV, HBV, and HCV.
Nurses have a critical responsibility to ensure correct waste segregation at the point of generation to protect themselves, their colleagues, patients, and the community.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key items in the question: 'Needles, syringes, scalpels and blades'. Recognize that these are all classified as 'sharps' in a medical context.
Second, recall the standard color-coding system for Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM).
Third, specifically remember the designated container for sharps waste.
Fourth, evaluate the given options against the correct protocol. The correct container for sharps is a white, puncture-proof container.
Finally, since the correct option 'White container' is not provided, recognize the flaw in the question's options and select the most accurate choice if a correction is made. In this case, none of the original options are correct, and the answer must be based on the established guidelines.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) Color Coding for Sharps Disposal
Stem keywords: Needles, syringes, scalpels, blades, disposed
Lead-in keywords: are disposed in
Negative lead-in flag: false

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