Rutvi,
- Nursing Tutor, Department of Nursing, Galgotias School of Nursing, Galgotias University, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and the extent of implementation of infection control measures among nurses caring for patients exposed to chemical gases. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and a sample of staff nurses working in clinical settings with potential chemical exposure roles was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge of chemical inhalation hazards and infection control practices, and via an observational checklist to measure real-time adherence to protective protocols. The findings revealed that while many nurses demonstrated basic awareness of the risks associated with inhaled toxic gases and standard infection control procedures, significant gaps remained in their understanding of targeted decontamination routines, personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, and airborne transmission mitigation. Observational data indicated that implementation of key protocols, such as proper donning and doffing of PPE, timely environmental ventilation, and chemical spill decontamination, was inconsistent. A positive correlation emerged between knowledge scores and practice compliance, indicating that higher levels of knowledge were associated with better implementation of infection control measures. These findings highlight the need for enhanced educational initiatives, periodic drills, and institutional policies that support the safe management of patients with chemical gas exposure. Strengthening both theoretical understanding and practical skills among nursing professionals is vital for safeguarding patient outcomes and ensuring workplace safety in scenarios involving inhalation of hazardous gases.
Keywords: Chemical gas exposure; nursing knowledge, infection control practices, personal protective equipment, environmental decontamination
[This article belongs to International Journal of Emergency and Trauma Nursing and Practices ]
Rutvi. Knowledge and Implementation of Infection Control Measures Among Nurses Caring for Patients with Chemical Gas Exposure. International Journal of Emergency and Trauma Nursing and Practices. 2025; 03(02):56-60.
Rutvi. Knowledge and Implementation of Infection Control Measures Among Nurses Caring for Patients with Chemical Gas Exposure. International Journal of Emergency and Trauma Nursing and Practices. 2025; 03(02):56-60. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijetnp/article=2025/view=235400
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Chemical hazards risk factors. [Online]. Atlanta (GA): CDC; 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/healthcare/risk-factors/chemical-hazards.html
- American Course of Tactical Medicine. Inhalation injury and toxic industrial chemical exposure (CPG ID: 25). [clinical practice guideline]. Kyiv: TCCC; 2024. Available from: https://tccc.org.ua/en/guide/inhalation-injury-and-toxic-industrial-chemical-exposure-cpg
- Emory & Henry University. (2025). Policies and Procedures for Infection Control/Prevention and Exposure Response. [online] Emory (VA): Emory & Henry University. Available from: https://www.emoryhenry.edu/live/profiles/5645-policies-and-procedures-for-infection.
- Alhumaid S, Al Mutair A, Al Alawi Z, Alsuliman M, Ahmed GY, Rabaan AA, et al. Knowledge of infection prevention and control among healthcare workers and factors influencing compliance: a systematic review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2021;10:86. doi: 10.1186/s13756-021-00957-0. PubMed PMID: 34082822.
- Umscheid CA, Mitchell MD, Doshi JA, Agarwal R, Williams K, Brennan PJ. Estimating the proportion of healthcare-associated infections that are reasonably preventable and the related mortality and costs. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011 Feb;32(2):101-14. doi: 10.1086/657912. PMID: 21460463.
- Xelegati R, Robazzi MLCC, Marziale MHP, Haas VJ. Chemical occupational risks identified by nurses in a hospital environment. Rev Latino-Am Enfermagem. 2006;14:214–9. doi: 10.1590/S0104-11692006000200010. PubMed PMID: 16699695.
- Institute of Medicine (US). Environmental hazards for the nurse as a worker. In: Pope AM, Snyder MA, Mood LH, editors. Nursing, Health, and the Environment. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1995. doi:10.17226/4986.
- Charlier B, Coglianese A, De Rosa F, De Caro F, Piazza O, Motta O, et al. Chemical risk in hospital settings: overview on monitoring strategies and international regulatory aspects. J Public Health Res. 2021;10:1993. doi: 10.4081/jphr.2021.1993. PubMed PMID: 33849259; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8018262.
- McDiarmid MA. Chemical hazards in health care: high hazard, high risk, but low protection. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006;1076:601–6. doi: 10.1196/annals.1371.032. PubMed PMID: 17119236.
- Stewart-Evans JL, Sharman A, Isaac J. A narrative review of secondary hazards in hospitals from cases of chemical self-poisoning and chemical exposure. Eur J Emerg Med. 2013;20:304–9. doi: 10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32835d002c. PubMed PMID: 23263649.
| Volume | 03 |
| Issue | 02 |
| Received | 12/11/2025 |
| Accepted | 14/11/2025 |
| Published | 20/11/2025 |
| Publication Time | 8 Days |
Login
PlumX Metrics
