bodily fluids on you

allamericangirl · Mar 17, 2005

Thanks, begalli for confirming that urine is sterile, except when there is blood there. It's not that I didn't want to believe my instructor, but I had never heard tha before, so I appreciate the confirmation.

Urine is sterile. However, if there is blood in the urine that's a whole other story if it comes in contact with an open wound you may have yourself or makes contact with mucous membranes.
There are always "ifs."
p.s. OP, I can't image NRSKarenRN "attacking" anyone. Her posts are always jammed packed with useful information. You'd be wisely advised to pay attention to them.

goodknight · Mar 18, 2005

Fiona:
Don't know how true it is, but we were taught in our classes that fresh urine is sterile. D

We were taught that too, but only that it is sterile to the 'owner'. So my patient's urine isn't sterile to me, only to them.

We didn't get an explination though...

allamericangirl · Mar 18, 2005

Hummm... A great example of why things should be expalined thoroughly and completely! :eek:

We were taught that too, but only that it is sterile to the 'owner'. So my patient's urine isn't sterile to me, only to them.
We didn't get an explination though...

cursenurse · Mar 18, 2005

hi all...
it's been a while since i've posted, but just thought of a good question. how do you prevent pts bodily fluids (spit, urine, blood, etc) from splashing on you or in your eye/mouth while you care for him/her. just curious to how you all handle this.. :uhoh21:

one tip, keep your mouth closed any time that you are not talking-i once had an incident with a foley catheter that made me forever grateful my mother taught me that one. and like someone else posted, i pretty much jump out of the way whenever the vomit or other body fluids start spraying. maybe buy yourself some safety goggles to carry with you just in case.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Mar 18, 2005

i hope CNA's aren't suctioning!!

anywho, i wouldn't be crabby to Karen. She was just trying to be nice and tell you the answer to your question. :nono:

allamericangirl · Mar 18, 2005

suctioning is not within my scope of practice in the state of colorado.

if i am required by my employer to perform a duty which is not within my scope of practice, i submit a form: "delegation of rn duties to cna" to the rn who is requiring me to perform the function. the form requires that the rn list: pt name and id#, rn name, cna name, task description, initial training including scope of task, infection control, safety precautions, equipment/supplies, signs/symptoms to repert to rn, demonstration of task, return demonstration of task, documentation of task, cna demonstrates competence in performing task independently, follow-up date for additional training, the rn's signature, date of signature, ceu time/minimum. follow-up training form lists identical information as must be obtained in the above form.

also the schedule of dates and times the cna is to perform the task on that specific pt, the schedule of dates and times the rn will do a follow-up on the pt, and the schedule of dates and times the rn is with the cna.

the bottom of the form has a statement that i must sign:"i understand the scope of the above task and my responsibility to immediately address any questions or concerns with the rn." my name and date. total ceu time in minutes.

i will be happy to perform any duty requested by my employer once my employer has given me the proper training, provided the necessary legal paper work, it does no harm to the pt or myself, and the duty that i am requested to perform is within the law. i can perform this task only for the specific pt indicated on the form. according to colorado regulation, there must be a specific form for each pt.

i hope cna's aren't suctioning!!
anywho, i wouldn't be crabby to karen. she was just trying to be nice and tell you the answer to your question.

sheliamd1 · Mar 21, 2005

I know that we'll use protective gear, but I was mainly referring to the fluids that may get "around" the gear. You all gave great examples about closing the mouth--these were the type of answers that I was looking for.. Thanks

Rollins · Mar 26, 2005

ewwww

BSI