Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What should you use to clean up a spill on the floor?

1. Only paper towels

2. Water and soap

3. Gloves, paper towels, wet floor sign

4. Just a wet floor sign

The correct answer is: Gloves, paper towels, wet floor sign

Using gloves, paper towels, and a wet floor sign to clean up a spill on the floor is the appropriate approach due to several important factors. First, wearing gloves protects you from direct contact with potentially harmful substances, especially if the spill involves chemicals, bodily fluids, or other infectious materials. This is crucial for maintaining personal safety and adhering to infection control protocols. Paper towels are essential for efficiently absorbing spills, allowing you to remove the substance from the floor effectively. It is essential to use enough towels to ensure the area is cleaned thoroughly and to prevent any slip hazards. Placing a wet floor sign is critical for warning others about the potential slipping hazard. This proactive measure ensures safety for anyone in the vicinity, reducing the risk of accidents while you address the spill. In contrast, relying solely on paper towels, water and soap, or just a wet floor sign does not comprehensively address the need for personal protection, effective cleaning, and safety awareness for others in the area. Thus, the combination of gloves, paper towels, and a wet floor sign represents the best practice for handling spills.