Which of the following is NOT a risk factor in hazardous drug handling?

In the context of hazardous drug handling, the length of a nurse’s shift is not considered a risk factor. Risk factors generally pertain to elements directly related to the inherent properties of the hazardous drug, the procedures for handling it, and the potential for exposure.

The strength of the drug, for instance, is crucial because more potent drugs may pose greater risks to the personnel handling them. Similarly, handling procedures are critical since inadequate protocols can lead to accidental exposure or contamination. Likewise, exposure risk is inherently linked to both the drug’s properties and the handling environment, making it a significant factor.

In contrast, while a longer shift might lead to fatigue or decreased attention, which could indirectly affect safety, it is not classified as a direct risk factor in the context of the drug itself or its handling procedures. Risk factors typically focus on aspects that enhance the potential harm associated with the drugs, rather than external conditions like shift length.