CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide is using a blood pressure cuff that has been used on a resident with a known multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO). What is the appropriate action for the blood pressure cuff after use?
- APlace it in a designated dirty utility area for terminal sterilization.
- BClean and disinfect it according to facility policy before reusing it.
- CDiscard the cuff in a biohazard waste bag immediately.
- DReturn it to the shared supply closet after wiping it with a dry cloth.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Clean and disinfect it according to facility policy before reusing it.
Equipment used on residents with MDROs must be cleaned and disinfected according to facility policy before being reused to prevent cross-contamination. Most blood pressure cuffs are reusable and not single-use or requiring sterilization.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Terminal sterilization is typically for critical items entering sterile tissue or blood, not standard blood pressure cuffs.
- C. Discarding a reusable cuff is wasteful and unnecessary; proper cleaning and disinfection are the correct procedures.
- D. Wiping with a dry cloth is insufficient for disinfection and would spread MDROs.
MDRO Equipment Management
Protocols for cleaning and disinfecting reusable medical equipment after use on residents with multi-drug resistant organisms.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.
- Use approved disinfectants.
- Ensure proper contact time for disinfectant.
- Equipment should be resident-dedicated if possible, or thoroughly disinfected.
Memory trick: MDRO gear, clean it clear, or risk spreading germs far and near!