[cndynf]

Hello,

I wanted to find out something as far as taking care of pts. who's been getting chemo drugs. I work at this hospital but at times they float me to a medical floor. One night we were so busy at that floor, call lights were ringing at the station. At that time I was an LVN, I just happen to answer this one call light because I guess her/his nurse was busy. There was no sign saying that this pt. was on chemo. Anyway, I helped flush the pts'. urine that was in a urinal in the toilet. I only have my gloves on not thinking that the pt. was on chemo. I am concerned right now because I'm afraid that I was exposed because I did not have a mask on. There was no sign or anything that could have let me know. Am I ok or I should talk to someone at work about this. This happened many months back. Thanks in advance.

[LoriAlabamaRN]

Check with the charge nurse on the oncology floor if you are concerned, but I would think you'd be fine.

[jillyk*rn]

Hi There,
You should be fine. You didn't get splashed. However, there should be a sign posted for chemo precautions. We always have to have them up for 72 hours post chemo.
Perhaps you could bring that up to the charge nurse.

[rpv_rn]

Chemo precaution signs should be posted, stating CP for 72 hrs after last dose of agent, with dates. Check with unit manager of that floor about policy. If it's been over 72 hrs, the sign may have been taken down.

Chemo gloves are worn when discarding body fluids during the CP 72 hour time frame. Thereafter, barrier gloves should be sufficient. Masks are not necessary. If one is fearful of splashing, then a face shield is warranted during the CP precaution time frame. A plain mask will not help with splashing.

[cndynf]

Thank You guys for the INFO.