Waste collected under the yellow category should be treated by:

DSSSB 14 August 2024

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

According to the Bio-Medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016, the primary treatment for yellow category waste is high-temperature destruction.
Yellow category waste includes human anatomical waste, soiled waste, expired medicines, and chemical waste, which are not suitable for recycling or simple sterilization.
Incineration is a process that uses high temperatures to burn and destroy this type of waste, reducing it to ash and ensuring pathogens and chemicals are neutralized.
Plasma pyrolysis is an alternative high-temperature destruction method, and deep burial is a last resort in specific circumstances.

Option A: Autoclaving is a steam sterilization method. It is not suitable for destroying anatomical or chemical waste found in the yellow category.
Option B: Hydroclaving, similar to autoclaving, uses pressurized steam for sterilization. It does not destroy the waste, making it inappropriate for the yellow category.
Option C: Microwaving uses non-ionizing radiation to disinfect waste. It does not achieve the complete destruction required for anatomical parts, chemicals, or expired drugs.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) Guidelines as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct waste segregation and disposal are fundamental nursing responsibilities for infection control and preventing harm to healthcare workers, patients, and the community.
Improper disposal of biomedical waste can lead to the spread of infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and C, and poses significant environmental hazards.
Healthcare facilities are legally bound by the BMWM Rules, 2016. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties for the institution and individual staff.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core subject of the question: It's about Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM).
Pinpoint the specific keyword in the stem: The question asks about the 'yellow category'.
This is a factual recall question. You need to access your knowledge of the color-coding system in waste management.
Recall the type of waste that goes into the yellow bin (anatomical, soiled, chemical, expired drugs).
Based on the nature of this waste, determine the required treatment. Waste that needs to be completely destroyed requires incineration.
Evaluate the options: Autoclaving, hydroclaving, and microwaving are sterilization/disinfection methods, not destruction methods. Therefore, incineration is the only logical answer for destroying anatomical and chemical waste.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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