Adverse Exposures and Use of Universal Precautions Among Perinatal Nurses

Abstract

To identify the level of protective barrier use by perinatal nurses, the numbers of exposures experienced, and the factors influencing barrier use. Descriptive correlational study. A random sample of 560 perinatal nurses practicing in Arizona were sent questionnaires; 306 nurses responded. The nurses indicated frequency of barrier use, on a Likert-type scale, for 15 common obstetric procedures involving risk for blood or body fluid exposure. The nurses also reported number of exposures and barrier failures experienced in the preceding year. Two other scales were used to identify factors influencing barrier use and nonuse. A low frequency of barrier use and a high frequency of exposures were reported. A relationship was found between barrier use and exposures (r = -.29, p < .0001): As barrier use increased, exposures to body fluids decreased somewhat. Suspicion that a patient was a member of a high-risk group (e.g., an intravenous drug user) was a strong motivator for barrier use. Poorly fitting gloves and the need for quick action were strong influences for barrier nonuse. Perinatal nurses were inadequately protected from bloodborne disease.