Introduction

The “Bag Technique” in nursing refers to a method of handling and organizing supplies in a clinical setting to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of both healthcare providers and patients. This technique is particularly important when dealing with patients who have infectious diseases or conditions that require isolation precautions. The Bag Technique involves using plastic bags to contain and separate various items, minimizing the risk of spreading microorganisms.

Here’s a general overview of the Bag Technique in nursing:

Selection of Bags:

Use different colored bags for specific purposes to easily distinguish between them.
Red bags are often used for bio-hazardous waste.
Yellow bags may be used for items that have been in contact with bodily fluids.
Clear bags can be used for clean items.

Organization:

Divide the bag into sections for clean and contaminated items.
Keep clean items separate from potentially contaminated items.

Preparation:

Before entering a patient’s room, ensure that all necessary supplies are organized in the bag.
Double-check that you have everything you need to minimize the need to leave the room once inside.

Entry and Exit:

When entering a patient’s room, carry the bag in a way that minimizes contact with surfaces.
After completing the procedure or task, exit the room without contaminating yourself or the bag.

Disposal:

Dispose of biohazardous waste in the designated red bags.
Follow facility guidelines for the proper disposal of contaminated items.

Cleaning:

Regularly clean and disinfect the bag to prevent the buildup of contaminants.

Training:

Ensure that healthcare professionals are trained in the proper use of the bag technique to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

The public health bag is an indispensable tool for public health nurses during home visits, containing essential medications and items required for providing care. The Bag Technique, when properly performed, adheres to key principles aimed at minimizing or preventing the spread of infections, saving time, and ensuring effective nursing procedures. The technique can be adapted based on agency policies, home situations, or infection prevention principles.

Contents of a Nurse Bag:

Paper lining
Extra paper for creating waste bags
Plastic/linen lining
Apron
Hand towel
Soap in a soap dish
Thermometers (oral and rectal)
Two pairs of scissors (surgical and bandage)
Two pairs of forceps (curved and straight)
Disposable syringes with needles (g. 23 & 25)
Hypodermic needles (g. 19, 22, 23, 25)
Sterile dressing
Cotton balls
Cord clamp
Micropore plaster
Tape measure
One pair of sterile gloves
Baby’s scale
Alcohol lamp
Two test tubes
Test tube holders
Solutions of:
- Betadine
- 70% alcohol
- Zephiran solution
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Spirit of ammonia
- Ophthalmic ointment
- Acetic acid
- Benedict’s solution
(Note: Blood pressure apparatus and stethoscope are carried separately and never placed in the bag.)

Points to consider:

The bag should be equipped with all necessary articles, supplies, and equipment for addressing emergency needs.
Regular cleaning of the bag and its contents, along with the replacement of supplies, is essential to ensure readiness at all times.
The bag and its contents must be safeguarded from contact with any items in the patient’s home.
Consider the bag and its contents as clean and sterile, while patient belongings are regarded as dirty and contaminated.
Arrange the bag’s contents in the most convenient way to enhance efficiency and prevent confusion.

Steps in Performing Bag Technique and Rationale for Each Action:

Upon arrival at the patient’s home, place the bag on the table lined with clean paper. The clean side must be out, and the folder part must be touching the table.
- Rationale: To protect the bag from getting contaminated.
Ask for a basin of water or a glass of drinking water if tap water is not available.
- Rationale: To be used for handwashing.
Open the bag and take out the towel and soap.
- Rationale: To prepare for handwashing.
Wash hands using soap and water; wipe to dry.
- Rationale: To prevent infection from the caregiver to the client.
Take out the apron from the bag and put it on with the right side facing out.
- Rationale: To protect the nurse’s uniform.
Put out all the necessary articles needed for the specific care.
- Rationale: To have them readily accessible.
Close the bag and put it in one corner of the working area.
- Rationale: To prevent contamination.
Proceed in performing the necessary nursing care treatment.
- Rationale: To provide comfort, security, and expedite recovery for the patient.
After giving the treatment, clean all things that were used and perform handwashing.
- Rationale: To protect the caregiver and prevent infection transmission.
Open the bag and return all things that were used to their proper places after cleaning them.
- Rationale: To maintain organization and readiness for future use.
Remove the apron, folding it away from the person, with the soiled side in and the clean side out. Place it in the bag.
- Rationale: To prevent contamination and maintain cleanliness.
Fold the lining, place it inside the bag, and close the bag.
- Rationale: To secure used items, prevent potential contamination, and maintain the cleanliness of the bag.
Take the record and have a talk with the mother. Write down all the necessary data that were gathered, observations, nursing care, and treatment rendered. Give instructions for the care of patients in the absence of the nurse.
- Rationale: for documentation, communication, and continuity of care.
Make an appointment for the next visit (either home or clinic), taking note of the date and time.
- Rationale: for follow-up care and to ensure ongoing monitoring and support.