The following used material should be discarded in which container?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

The image displays a used endotracheal (ET) tube, which is a flexible plastic medical device.
According to the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, contaminated recyclable plastic waste must be segregated into a red-colored bag.
Items like catheters, IV tubing, gloves, and ET tubes fall under this category.
This waste is then sent for treatment methods like autoclaving or microwaving, followed by shredding and recycling.

Option A: The black bag is designated for general, non-infectious waste. A used ET tube is contaminated with patient's body fluids and is considered infectious waste.
Option B: The yellow bag is used for human anatomical waste (e.g., tissues, organs), heavily soiled waste (e.g., dressings saturated with blood), and discarded medicines. An ET tube is a plastic item, not anatomical waste.
Option D: Green bags are typically used for biodegradable general waste, such as kitchen waste in some settings. They are not used for any category of biomedical waste.

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 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct waste segregation is a fundamental nursing responsibility to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and protect healthcare workers, patients, and the community from infectious diseases.
Improper disposal can lead to occupational hazards like needlestick injuries and exposure to pathogens, as well as environmental pollution.
What if the item was a used syringe with the needle still attached? It would be classified as a sharp and must be discarded into a white (translucent), puncture-proof container to prevent injuries.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the object shown in the image. It is a used endotracheal (ET) tube.
Next, classify the object based on its material and contamination status. The ET tube is made of plastic and is contaminated from use.
Recall the standard color-coding system for biomedical waste management.
Match the waste type (contaminated plastic) to the corresponding container color. Contaminated recyclable plastics go into the red bag.
Review the other options to confirm they are incorrect for this type of waste.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) Color Coding
Stem keywords: used material, discarded, container
Lead-in keywords: which container
Clinical cues: Image shows a used endotracheal tube, which is a contaminated plastic device.

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

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 181-183

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