A nurse is caring for a client who has AIDS.Which of the following solutions should the nurse use to disinfect the client's overbed table following a blood spill?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale:Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is not the recommended solution for disinfecting surfaces following a blood spill. While it can be used to clean wounds and may have some disinfectant properties, it is not as effective as bleach in destroying bloodborne pathogens.Choice B rationale:Bleach. Bleach is the appropriate choice for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with blood. A 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) is effective at killing bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses. It should be used in healthcare settings to ensure proper disinfection after a blood spill.Choice C rationale:Isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective disinfectant for some purposes, but it may not be as effective as bleach against bloodborne pathogens. It is commonly used for cleaning and disinfecting skin before medical procedures but is not the recommended choice for disinfecting surfaces following a blood spill.Choice D rationale:Chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic solution often used for skin disinfection before surgical procedures or invasive medical interventions. It is not typically used for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with blood.