Práctica de autocuidado en el manejo de objetos cortopunzantes por el personal de enfermería que labora en el área clínica de un hospital de la ciudad de Guayaquil, año 2025.

Abstract

The handling of sharps represents a critical challenge for nurses in the hospital setting, since improper handling of needles, scalpels and lancets increases the risk of accidents and exposure to infectious agents. Objective: To determine the practice of self-care in the handling of sharp objects by nursing staff working in the clinical area of the Teodoro Maldonado Carbo Specialty Hospital in 2025. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study. Population and sample: 40 nursing staff members with more than one year of experience in the hospital area. Technique: Direct observation. Instrument: Checklist. Results: Most staff prepare supplies before use (75%), avoid recapping needles (75%), and use rigid, airtight containers (88%). However, deficiencies persist, such as the lack of immediate medical attention after injuries (55%) and the limited reporting of accidents, which are not reported immediately (67%). The most frequent injuries were superficial (52%), and hypodermic needles were the most frequently involved devices (40%). Conclusion: There is notable evidence of established self-care practices, but deficiencies in accident reporting and response underscore the urgency of strengthening training, supervision, and the implementation of biosafety policies to ensure staff safety and the quality of hospital care.