Question

Waste in health care processes can be classified into how many types?

• A. Five
• B. Six
• C. Seven
• D. Four

Hint:

Biomedical waste classification can be complex. For exam purposes, be familiar with the major categories: Infectious, Sharps, Pathological, and Chemical/Pharmaceutical. Knowing that more detailed systems exist (like the 7-category one) can help answer specific questions about the number of types.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall standard classifications of biomedical waste. Step 1: Global and national bodies have various systems for classifying waste from healthcare facilities. The classification aims to segregate waste for safe handling and disposal.
Step 2: Analyze common classification systems.
Step 2: While systems can vary slightly, a common and comprehensive classification, aligning with WHO guidelines and many national regulations, breaks down hazardous biomedical waste into several distinct categories. A common detailed breakdown includes seven key types of hazardous waste:

Infectious Waste
Pathological Waste (e.g., tissues, organs)
Sharps Waste (e.g., needles, scalpels)
Pharmaceutical Waste (e.g., expired drugs)
Genotoxic Waste (highly hazardous, e.g., cytotoxic drugs)
Chemical Waste (e.g., disinfectants, lab reagents)
Radioactive Waste
In addition to these, there is also general (non-hazardous) waste. However, when asking for the number of "types," questions often refer to the hazardous categories requiring special handling.
Step 3: Select the best option.
Step 3: Given the common options in multiple-choice questions on this topic, "Seven" is a frequent and justifiable answer representing a detailed and widely recognized classification system for the hazardous components.