Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What regulation requires occupational health nurses to maintain injury logs for contaminated sharps?

1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

2. American Nurses Association

3. Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

4. Department of Defense guidelines

The correct answer is: Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

The requirement for occupational health nurses to maintain injury logs for contaminated sharps falls under the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. This standard, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), specifically addresses the hazards of bloodborne pathogens and provides guidelines for minimizing exposure risks in the healthcare setting. It mandates that employers maintain a log of incidents involving contaminated sharps as part of their exposure control plans. By keeping accurate records of these incidents, healthcare facilities can identify trends, improve safety protocols, and reduce the risk of future exposure among employees. This documentation is essential for addressing workplace safety and for the ongoing evaluation of infection control practices. The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard emphasizes the importance of monitoring and reporting as a critical component of protecting the health of workers who may be at risk due to their exposure to potentially infectious materials. While the OSHA does set forth the overall framework and regulations concerning workplace safety, it is specifically the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard that focuses on the requirements surrounding sharps injuries.