& x20;Needles, syringes, blades are disposed in which color container? - UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The white (translucent) container is specifically designated for the disposal of 'sharps' under the Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) guidelines.
Sharps include any object that can cause a puncture or cut, such as needles, syringes with fixed needles, scalpels, and blades.
These items are segregated into puncture-proof, leak-proof, and tamper-proof containers to prevent needlestick injuries and protect healthcare workers, patients, and the public from exposure to infectious agents.

Option A: The black container is used for general, non-infectious, non-biomedical waste, similar to household trash (e.g., paper, food wrappers).
Option B: The yellow container is used for human and animal anatomical waste, soiled waste (like dressings soaked in blood), expired medicines, and chemical waste.
Option C: The red container is for contaminated recyclable plastic waste. While it includes syringes, it is specifically for syringes without the needle attached.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) color coding for waste segregation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct segregation of biomedical waste at the point of generation is a critical nursing responsibility for infection control and preventing occupational hazards.
Improper disposal of sharps is a primary cause of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers, which carry a high risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens like HIV, HBV, and HCV.
What if you use a syringe where the needle can be detached? The needle (sharp) must be disposed of in the white container, while the plastic syringe barrel (contaminated plastic) should be disposed of in the red container. This demonstrates the importance of segregating components of a single device.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key items mentioned in the question: 'Needles, syringes, blades'.
Categorize these items based on their physical properties and risk. All these items are sharp and can cause puncture wounds.
Recall the standard Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) color-coding system for different categories of medical waste.
Specifically, remember the designated color for 'sharps'.
Match the category 'sharps' to its corresponding color-coded container, which is white.
Eliminate other options by recalling what they are used for (e.g., Red for plastics, Yellow for anatomical waste, Black for general waste).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) color coding for waste segregation.
Stem keywords: Needles, syringes, blades, disposed, container
Lead-in keywords: which color

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