title: Safe handling of chemotherapy in the perioperative setting.
abstract: Safe handling of chemotherapeutic agents during administration and disposal is critical. Most antineoplastic agents are toxic compounds that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic. Direct contact may cause irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Perioperative personnel should know how to handle hazardous materials safely to protect the patient, other staff members, and themselves. These safety precautions include appropriately identifying the patient; correctly preparing, verifying, and documenting the chemotherapeutic agents being administered; consistently wearing personal protective equipment; transporting the chemotherapeutic agent in a puncture-resistant container labeled "chemotherapy"; properly disposing of the chemotherapeutic agent and supplies; and handling a spill if one occurs.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Ellice
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mellinger
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Skinker
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sears
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: Piya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shult
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004282:Documentation; D004348:Drug Labeling; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000379:methods; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009737:Nursing Records; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010355:Patient Identification Systems; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011481:Protective Clothing; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal