Used IV sets should be discarded in which colour BMW bins?

Appeared in: Hariyana-CHO-2021

Explanation

Used IV sets are made of plastic and are considered contaminated after use, making them recyclable contaminated waste.
As per the Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) Management Rules, 2016, all recyclable contaminated waste such as plastic tubing, catheters, and IV sets must be disposed of in the red-colored bin.
The waste in the red bin undergoes autoclaving or other forms of disinfection before being sent for recycling.

Option B: The yellow bin is designated for human anatomical waste, heavily soiled waste (like dressings), expired medicines, and blood bags, not for plastic recyclable items.
Option C: The blue bin is specifically for glassware (like broken medicine vials) and metallic body implants.
Option D: The black bin is used for general, non-bio-medical waste, such as office paper, food wrappers, and other non-infectious materials.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) Management Color Coding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct waste segregation is a fundamental nursing responsibility that prevents the spread of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections, protecting patients, healthcare workers, and the general community.
Improper disposal can lead to environmental pollution and pose a significant public health risk, including the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B/C.
What if? If the IV set still had the needle attached, the disposal method would change. The needle must first be separated and discarded into the white (translucent) puncture-proof sharps container. The remaining plastic tubing would then be placed in the red bin. Never discard needles in plastic bags.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the specific item to be discarded: a 'Used IV set'.
Next, classify the item based on its material and condition. An IV set is primarily plastic and, being 'used', is considered contaminated bio-medical waste.
Recall the Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) Management color-coding rules for different types of waste.
Match the item's classification to the correct color code. Contaminated recyclable plastic waste belongs in the red bin.
Select the option that corresponds to this rule.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QBvBal_JNuOsk1RIdBeQOr

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

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry p. 53-55

Practise the full Hariyana-CHO-2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.