Why Should Nurses Wear Safety Glasses: Protecting Against Contaminated Fluids

As a nursing professional, you may wonder why safety glasses are required for certain tasks. The answer lies in the potential exposure to harmful and contagious fluids. From surgical procedures to patient care, the use of safety glasses can prevent serious eye injuries and infections. In this article, we will explore the importance of wearing safety glasses for nurses and provide real-life scenarios to emphasize the necessity.

Surgical Procedures and Hazardous Materials

Surgical procedures: During surgeries, both traditional operations and any other medical interventions, there is a heightened risk of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other hazardous materials. Surgical equipment that may cause eye injuries includes scalpels and bone cutters. Additionally, these materials can potentially splash onto the eyes, leading to severe infection or trauma. Protecting your eyes is crucial in such a delicate and potentially dangerous environment.

Real-Life Incident: A Gnarly Spit Mishap

Let us consider a real-life incident that highlights the importance of wearing safety glasses. One nurse, while assisting in moving a patient with a long-term tracheostomy (trach) from a step-down floor to a med surg floor, encountered a hazardous situation. The bed needed to be relocated to accommodate another patient, so the nurse began removing disposable items in the room. While sorting through the trash, the nurse discovered that the suction canister, a medical device used to remove secretions from the respiratory tract, was partially filled with contaminated spit.

Desiring to avoid contact with the spit, the nurse attempted to remove the disposable insert from the suction canister but failed. In a rushed manner, the nurse removed the entire apparatus, including the canister, yankauer (a suction device used in medical procedures), and tubing. The nurse then proceeded to the dirty utility room to dispose of the tubing. However, the nasty spit-filled insert still stuck and ultimately shot up into the nurse's face. Due to the absence of safety glasses, the nurse's eyes were severely affected. The incident necessitated an emergency room visit for proper flushing of the eyes, a tetanus shot, and antibiotic ointment application. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wearing safety glasses in the nursing profession.

Protecting Against Contaminated Fluids

It is important to recognize that not all body fluids are harmless. Some, such as saliva, can contain various pathogens and bacteria that can cause infections. Moreover, in healthcare settings, there is a constant risk of coming into contact with different types of bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, urine, and feces. Wearing safety glasses acts as a barrier, preventing these contaminants from splashing into the eyes and ensuring that the risk of infection is minimized.

Types of contaminants: Blood: Bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, can be present in the blood of infected individuals. Proper eye protection is essential to prevent exposure. Spit: As mentioned in the real-life incident, spit from individuals with tracheostomies can contain harmful bacteria and pathogens. Ensuring the use of safety glasses can provide an additional layer of protection against such microorganisms. Vomit and Urine: Contaminated vomit and urine can also pose a risk of infection if they come into contact with the eyes. Safety glasses are an effective way to prevent such exposure.

Conclusion: Nurses and other healthcare professionals must prioritize their safety by wearing safety glasses. From the surgical theatre to patient care areas, the risks of exposure to contaminated fluids are ever-present. By implementing proper eye protection, nurses can safeguard their eyes from potential harm and reduce the risk of contracting infections. The real-life incident described in this article underscores the importance of wearing safety glasses. Let this serve as a reminder for all healthcare workers to always prioritize their eye safety.

Key Takeaways: Wearing safety glasses can prevent eye injuries and infections during surgical procedures. Spit and other bodily fluids can contain harmful contaminants. Patient care involves risks of contamination, emphasizing the need for eye protection.