Staph question

[ccf317]

I am a newer nurse and have a question pertaining to staph infections. I was helping out another nurse with a patient. He had a colostomy and our facility did not carry his specific supplies so the nurses have been cleaning out his colostomy bags and reusing them. So it was a messy job but I did as I was told to find out he has been positive for staph in his stools. I know handwashing is so important, which I did as soon as I was done but is it possible I could have inhaled staph bacteria when I was washing out his colostomy bag? I used the toilet sprayer so it was splashed back up into the air. I feel dumb for asking but never encountered this problem before. Any help appreciated.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Following universal precautions the use of protective gear when contamination is the key to protection. Washing out a colostomy bag would be one of those time eye gear,mask and protective clothing would be in order.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/bp_universal_precautions.html.

You need to be more cautious in the handling of contaminated material. My other question is why can the family not bring in his materials from home or NH where he lives.......that would solve this on many levels... :)

[ccf317]

thanks for your reply. He was from out of state and it was going to be days before we could receive his supplies. I am usually so cautious. I guess I should treat every situation as if it were infectious. I didnt think twice since we wash out bed pans without wearing masks or eye gear. Plus how many people may have it that we do not know. I will be more careful from now on. Just hoping I do not get sick from it:)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

In our facility when we have a patient and no supplies we get the case manager involved who will order thru a local medical supply house and have them delivered. We then pass the cost on to the patient. If we order in the am our supplies are delivered within a few hours.

[SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN]

I am a newer nurse and have a question pertaining to staph infections. I was helping out another nurse with a patient. He had a colostomy and our facility did not carry his specific supplies so the nurses have been cleaning out his colostomy bags and reusing them. So it was a messy job but I did as I was told to find out he has been positive for staph in his stools. I know handwashing is so important, which I did as soon as I was done but is it possible I could have inhaled staph bacteria when I was washing out his colostomy bag? I used the toilet sprayer so it was splashed back up into the air. I feel dumb for asking but never encountered this problem before. Any help appreciated.

Stool is supposed to be positive for many different types of bacteria. And staph bacteria are everywhere. What you're describing also happens when you rinse a bedpan. Not sure why the special concern here.

[Stcroix, ASN, PhD, RN]

A sweeping generality here....if you are a strong, rested, healthy person, your chance of getting an infection in that way is remote. However, I agree with others that it should be avoided.