This document outlines universal precautions for preventing the transmission of diseases through contact with blood and bodily fluids. It defines universal precautions as measures to treat all bodily fluids as potentially infectious. Key precautions include hand washing, use of gloves, masks, protective clothing and eyewear when exposure to bodily fluids is anticipated, and safe handling and disposal of needles. Proper removal of personal protective equipment and treatment following accidental needle sticks are also covered.

1. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSKeeping germs away. Keeping you healthyJohn Muchiri, RN

2. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSDefinitionMeasures designed to prevent transmission of diseases (from blood and body fluids) (CDC)Treat everyone's bodily fluids as if they have potential infectionsPrecautionsContactDropletAirborne

3. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSTransmission of diseaseA germA sourceAn exitMethod of transmissionPortal of entryA susceptible personThe goal is to stop germs from travelling from source to another person

4. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSConsidered highly infectiousBloodSemenVaginal SecretionsCSFSynovial FluidsAmniotic fluidAll other body fluids

5. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSNot infectious unless contaminatedFecesNasal secretionsSputumSweatTearsUrine/VomitSaliva

6. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

7. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSWhen to wash handsBefore and After contact with clientBefore and after glovingBefore taking care of immune suppressed or new bornAfter using restroomUse non medicated soap and water In demanding circumstances, use ethyl or isopropyl alcohol

8. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSUse disposable plastic glovesDo not reuse glovesChange after contact with each clientDon’t touch other environmental surfaces except as necessaryDon’t touch your face with contaminated glovesDiscard appropriately

9. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSMask, Cap, eye wearMask if you have a condition transmissible by cough or if your client has oneUse cap to keep your hair from othersUse eye wear to shield against splashing bodily fluids

10. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSUse protective shoesNo open toesUse an apron or gownPrevent exposure to harmful germsProtects our clothes from contamination

11. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSRemoving personal protective equipment (PPE)Gloves Face shield/goggles/cap Gown  MaskRemoving gloves

12. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSUse of needlesUse properly and wear protective glovesDispose properly in thick puncture resistant containerAvoid recapping needlesUse disposable syringes and needles

13. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSIf stuck with a needle or a sharp:Wash injured area with soap and waterEncourage bleeding if anyWash with soap and water at least 5 min.Report to your supervisor immediatelyProphylaxis to prevent HIV/HBV

14. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSSpillage of body fluids/bloodNever wipe with working wet mopCover spill with paper and pour 1% hypochlorite or bleaching powder to decontaminate==

15. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSInfection control measuresRespiratory etiquetteCover cough or sneeze with tissue, discard, wash handsNo tissue? Sneeze in upper armLimit hand contact with eyes, mouth and noseDo not share personal itemsKeep your immunizations currentAdults: Tdat, Hep A & B, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, MMR, Zoster

16. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONSResourceshttp://www.baltimorecountymd.govhttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/universal.htmlhttp://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=10051

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