Which action helps prevent needlestick injuries?

Which action helps prevent needlestick injuries?

• A. Recap needles after use to prevent needle sticks.
• B. Do not recap needles; dispose immediately in approved sharps containers; use safety devices.
• C. Reuse needles for same procedure.
• D. Dispose of needles in general waste.

Answer: (B)

Safe handling and disposal of sharps is the focus here, because needlestick injuries commonly happen during handling of used needles. Not recapping after use reduces the main moment when a stick could occur; recapping is a frequent cause of injuries. Instead, dispose immediately in an approved sharps container, which is designed to be puncture-resistant and leak-proof and is kept within easy reach so the needle can be discarded without hand contact. Using safety devices, such as needle guards or retractable systems, further lowers exposure by shielding you during use and disposal. Taken together, these steps create a safer workflow and meet safety standards for handling sharps. The other options increase risk or violate proper procedures: recapping after use raises the chance of injury, reusing needles is unsafe and not allowed, and disposing in general waste can expose others and breaches regulations.