Care of Rubber Goods in Nursing

Rubber goods are commonly used in nursing care, including items like gloves, tubing, catheters, and other medical supplies. Proper care of these rubber goods is important to prevent the spread of infections and ensure their effectiveness. The rubber goods in common use in nursing are:

• Rubber Mackintosh
• Air cushions
• Hot water bottles
• Ice caps
• Rubber tubes and catheters
• Gloves
• Rubber beds/air beds/air mattress

Principles of Care of Rubber Goods

Here are some tips and Principles for the care of rubber goods in nursing:

1. Clean and disinfect regularly

Rubber goods should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting the specific rubber goods.

2. Replace worn or damaged items

Inspect rubber goods regularly for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or tears, and replace them as needed. Damaged rubber goods can leak and cause infections.

3. Store properly

Rubber goods should be stored in a clean, dry, and cool place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to deteriorate.

4. Use appropriate lubricants

If lubricants are needed for the rubber goods, make sure to use appropriate lubricants that are compatible with the specific item.

5. Follow proper disposal procedures

After use, dispose of rubber goods properly according to your facility’s guidelines for medical waste disposal. This helps prevent the spread of infection and protect the environment.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that rubber goods are properly cared for and remain effective in providing safe and effective nursing care.

Cleaning of Rubber Mackintosh

A rubber mackintosh, also known as a rubber sheet, is a waterproof sheet used to protect bedding or furniture from fluids. Cleaning a rubber mackintosh is important to ensure it remains free from bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, as well as to maintain its waterproof properties. Here are some steps for cleaning a rubber mackintosh:

1. Wipe down the rubber mackintosh with a damp cloth to remove any surface dirt or debris.
2. Fill a bathtub or large sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or detergent.
3. Place the rubber mackintosh in the water and use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the surface. Avoid using harsh abrasives or brushes that may damage the surface of the rubber.
4. Rinse the rubber mackintosh thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
5. Hang the rubber mackintosh to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid folding or rolling the rubber mackintosh while it is still wet, as this can cause damage to the material.
6. Once the rubber mackintosh is dry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Care of Rubber Gloves

Rubber gloves are commonly used in healthcare to protect hands from exposure to infectious agents, and other hazards. Proper care of rubber gloves is important to prevent the spread of infections and to ensure their effectiveness. Here are some tips for caring for rubber gloves:

1. It is desired that the wearer of the gloves should wash them on their hands just before they are removed to prevent adherence of blood
2. After removing from the hands, they are washed with soap and cold water, first on the outside then invert and repeat on the inside
3. Rinse well with water both inside and outside
4. 4. Holes and tears are discovered by submerging the glove filled with air in the water. Separate the torn gloves.
5. Hang them to dry
6. When the outside is dry, turn inside out and dry
7. When both sides are dry, powdered inside and outside, and packed in pairs of the same size, right and left gloves in a pair.
8. Steam under pressure is the best method of sterilizing gloves. The pressure should be kept minimum to avoid melting

Care of Rubber Tubes (catheters, rectal tubes, flatus tubes, Ryles tubes, infusion sets)

Rubber tubes such as catheters, rectal tubes, flatus tubes, Ryles tubes, and infusion sets are used in medical care to provide fluids or remove waste from the body. Proper care of these rubber tubes is important to prevent infections and ensure their effectiveness. Here are some processes for caring for rubber goods tubes:

1. After use, wash them under running water
2. A small quantity of organic matter may be lodged at the eye end. Remove them using a swab stick
3. Clean them with soap and warm water
4. Wash them again under running water Boil the tubes for 5 minutes by putting them in the boiled water
5. Dry it by hanging it.
6. When dried, powder and store them in the air container, lengthwise.
7. Re-boil or autoclave them before use.

Care of Air Cushion and Rubber Bed/Air Mattress

To clean the air cushion and air bed, don’t pour water into them. It is sufficient to clean the outside. During cleaning it should not be filled with air, as air-filled items can crack easily by pressure. The valves of the air cushions or air beds should never be immersed in water, as it makes them rust and damages the item. Store them after slightly inflating them to avoid the sticking of two surfaces.

Care of Hot Water Bottle and Ice Cap

Care of Rubber Goods like Hot Water Bottle and Ice Cap Empty the contents immediately after use. Wash and dry as of the other rubber goods. Hang the bags upside down to drain the water. The ice caps which cannot be hung are dried with a piece of cloth When the bags are completely dried, inflate them with air and store them in a cool, dry area.

In summary, proper care of rubber goods is important in nursing to prevent infection, ensure effectiveness, reduce the risk of allergic reactions, and maintain safety. By following proper cleaning, storage, and disposal procedures, healthcare providers can help ensure that rubber goods are properly cared for and effective in providing safe and effective patient care.