OCC Administration & Safety Protocols 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the most appropriate PPE for administering IV chemotherapy?
- Surgical mask and sterile gloves
- Face shield, non-sterile gloves, and lab coat
- Chemotherapy-tested gloves, gown, and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Standard gloves and apron
Correct answer: Chemotherapy-tested gloves, gown, and eye protection
Chemotherapy drugs are hazardous and can be absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes, or inhaled. Therefore, specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to protect against these agents is essential. This includes chemotherapy-tested gloves (often double-gloving), a protective gown, and eye protection to prevent exposure during administration, ensuring staff safety.
Question 2: What should be done immediately after a chemotherapy spill on a countertop?
- Cover it with a paper towel
- Call housekeeping services
- Leave the area and wait for supervisor
- Use a chemotherapy spill kit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use a chemotherapy spill kit
A chemotherapy spill is a hazardous incident that requires immediate and specialized handling to protect staff and patients from exposure. A designated chemotherapy spill kit contains the necessary PPE, absorbent materials, and disposal bags. This allows for safe containment, cleaning, and disposal of the spilled hazardous drug according to established protocols, minimizing risk.
Question 3: Which type of IV access is preferred for vesicant chemotherapy drugs?
- Peripheral short catheter
- Butterfly needle
- Central venous catheter (Correct answer)
- Midline catheter
Correct answer: Central venous catheter
Vesicant chemotherapy drugs can cause severe tissue damage, including blistering, necrosis, and ulceration, if they extravasate (leak) into surrounding tissues. A central venous catheter (CVC) is preferred for these drugs because it provides direct access to a large vein. This minimizes the risk of extravasation and ensures safe and effective delivery of the medication.
Question 4: What is the primary reason for a two-nurse verification before chemotherapy administration?
- To follow hospital protocol
- To confirm IV patency
- To ensure correct chemotherapy is given (Correct answer)
- To check for proper hydration
Correct answer: To ensure correct chemotherapy is given
A two-nurse verification process for chemotherapy administration is a critical safety measure designed to prevent medication errors. It ensures that the correct patient receives the correct drug, dose, route, and time. This significantly reduces the risk of administering the wrong hazardous medication, which could have severe or fatal consequences for the patient.
Question 5: Which step helps minimize exposure risk during oral chemotherapy handling?
- Crush the pills before administration
- Use bare hands to administer capsules
- Wear gloves and use designated containers (Correct answer)
- Store with non-hazardous medications
Correct answer: Wear gloves and use designated containers
Oral chemotherapy drugs are still hazardous and can pose an exposure risk to healthcare providers. Wearing gloves prevents skin absorption, and using designated containers ensures proper handling and disposal. This minimizes direct contact and prevents environmental contamination, protecting both the healthcare worker and others in the vicinity. Crushing pills or using bare hands increases exposure risk.
Question 6: Why is a closed-system transfer device (CSTD) recommended during chemotherapy preparation?
- To speed up drug reconstitution
- To reduce medication cost
- To prevent microbial contamination
- To prevent exposure to hazardous drugs (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To prevent exposure to hazardous drugs
A Closed-System Transfer Device (CSTD) is specifically designed to prevent the escape of hazardous drug aerosols or vapors into the environment and the entry of environmental contaminants into the drug. This technology significantly reduces healthcare worker exposure to chemotherapy drugs during preparation and administration. It enhances safety for personnel handling these potent medications.
OCC Administration & Safety Protocols 1
What is the most appropriate PPE for administering IV chemotherapy?