Today our topic of discussion is Terminal Cleaning of Patient Care Unit.
Terminal Cleaning of Patient Care Unit
- The sanitation of the bed, bedside cabinet, and general area of the patient care unit with a detergent/germicidal agent after the patient is discharged or transferred from the nursing care unit.
- Performed at every patient care unit before the area is prepared for the next patient.
Reasons for Terminal Cleaning of the Patient Care Unit
- Prevention of the spread of microorganisms.
- Removal of encrusted secretions from framework or bedside rails.
- Removal of residue of body wastes from the mattress.
- Deodorizing of the bed frame, mattress, and pillow.
Guidelines for Terminal Cleaning
- Review wards standard operating procedure (SOP) for specific procedures. Use only authorized disinfectant/detergent or germicidal
- solution for cleaning.
- Check to ensure the bedside cabinet is cleared of any valuables belonging to the patient.
- Check bed linens for personal items (dentures, contact
- lenses, money, jewelry, etc.) belonging to the patient.
- Prevent spread of microorganisms by carefully removing
- linen from the bed.
- Use caution when cleaning the under frame and bedsprings.
- Replace any torn mattress or pillow covers.
- Allow the mattress and pillow to air-dry thoroughly before remaking the bed.
Rules for use of disposal or non-reusable items: Do not attempt to reuse (for another patient) or resterilize disposables.
- Sterile disposables are considered sterile providing the wrapper is not broken or torn or the expiration date has not passed. Sterile disposables with torn or broken wrappers must be discarded.
- Use disposables for the specific purpose(s) for which they were designed.
- Follow manufacturer’s directions when using disposables.
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