Title : Protect yourself from peril
Abstract:
Purpose: An exposure to bodily fluid can happen very quickly—in just one blink of an eye a person can be exposed to bodily fluids. Thus creating a life-changing experience for the rest of that person’s life. During the procedure of inserting an IV, the patient began to shake causing her right arm to jerk upward, the angi-ocatheter came out, causing bloody fluid to splash on my face and into my left eye. The patient had tested positive for HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
Significance: Providing personal protective equipment to avoid exposure to bodily fluids is essential. I have taken this life-changing experience and used it as a significant teaching point with the new graduate nurses and nursing students whom I teach. I share this story to reinforce the importance of being prepared to apply bloodborne precautions in every direct patient care experience. My practice has significantly changed; since that day. I always carry my own pair of personal protective eye goggles in my pocket. Whenever there is a potential to be splashed with a bodily fluid, I don my goggles in addition to gloves and a gown.
Subjects: All healthcare workers who have the potential of being exposed to bodily fluids.
Conclusions: Lessons learned from this experience that have been incorporated into my practice include: always protect yourself and think about your safety first: exercise proper isolation precautions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at all times: protecting yourself protects your family as well; advocate for yourself even if the provider disagrees with your decision to wear personal protective equipment; offer grief counseling to those in need. Providing protection from peril is paramount.
