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Question

Difficulty: EasyHandling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

A nurse has just completed administering an intramuscular medication to a client. What is the most appropriate action for disposing of the used needle and syringe?

  1. Activate the safety device and place the intact unit directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container.Answer
  2. B
    Recap the needle using a two-handed technique before discarding it in a biohazard bag.
  3. C
    Remove the needle from the syringe and place only the needle into the sharps container.
  4. D
    Discard the unsheathed needle and syringe into the red infectious waste bag located in the client's room.

Answer

Activate the safety device and place the intact unit directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container.
Standard safety protocols dictate that to prevent accidental needlestick injuries and bloodborne pathogen exposure, used needles must have their safety mechanisms engaged immediately after use. The entire intact unit (needle and syringe) must then be discarded directly into a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container without being detached, bent, or recapped.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the type of waste being handled.
The item is a contaminated sharp (used needle and syringe).
Recognizing the hazard determines the correct disposal protocol according to OSHA and standard infection control guidelines.
2
Determine the safest method for handling the item immediately after use.
The nurse must engage the built-in safety mechanism without detaching or manipulating the needle.
Limiting interaction with the exposed needle minimizes the risk of accidental puncture wounds.
3
Select the appropriate disposal receptacle.
The intact unit is placed directly into a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container.
Sharps containers protect staff and environmental services from injury, unlike soft plastic biohazard bags.

Key Concept

Sharps Safety and Standard Precautions
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Topics

Handling Hazardous and Infectious Materials

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