How should the nurse dispose of the breakfast tray of a patient who requires airborne isolation?

A) Place the tray in a specially marked trash can inside the patient's room.
B) Place the tray in a special isolation bag held by a second healthcare worker at the patient's door.
C) Return the tray with a note to dietary services so it can be cleaned and reused for the next meal.
D) Carry the tray to an isolation trash receptacle located in the dirty utility room and dispose of it there.

Question

Arali Vasquez · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B, Explanation :  Placing the tray in a special isolation bag held by a second healthcare worker at the patient's door ensures proper disposal of contaminated items and prevents the spread of airborne contaminants. Simply placing it in a regular trash can or returning it to dietary services could potentially expose others to the infectious agent. Disposing of it in the dirty utility room could also lead to contamination of other areas.

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