Martha A. Polovich, PhD, RN, AOCN

Nurses may not be aware of the reproductive risks of exposure to hazardous drugs, but the new USP Chapter requires a formal notification process.

The chances are high that hazardous drug residue exists wherever the drugs are present. What can nurses do to reduce their risks?

Nurses may think that if they are careful, their routine drug administration activities will not result in hazardous drug leaking and exposure, but even small leaks are problematic.

Despite the warnings, adherence to safe handling precautions by healthcare practitioners is uneven; understanding the risks are essential.