Sharps Injury Prevention

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a sharps injury prevention program in health care settings?

• To ensure all staff are vaccinated against blood-borne diseases

• To provide follow-up for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and prevent injuries

• To train staff in general first aid procedures

• To dispose of all medical waste in regular trash bins

Which of the following items is NOT typically considered a sharp in a healthcare setting?

• Needle

• Lancet

• Clinical glass

• Bandage

Why is it important for healthcare staff to handle sharps properly?

• To avoid occupational injury and exposure to blood-borne pathogens

• To reduce the cost of medical supplies

• To increase the speed of medical procedures

• To improve patient comfort during procedures

Why is it important to use safety-engineered needles and medical sharps in Ontario?

• It is a legislated requirement to reduce the risk of injuries.

• It is more cost-effective for hospitals.

• It is required for patient comfort.

• It is only necessary for large hospitals.

What is the purpose of providing puncture-resistant sharps containers at the point-of-care?

• To comply with legislation and prevent needle-stick injuries.

• To store medications safely.

• To organize medical supplies.

• To reduce the cost of medical waste disposal.

A healthcare professional needs to recap a regular hypodermic needle in a rare situation. Which technique should be used to minimize the risk of injury?

• Two hand push technique

• One hand scoop technique

• Needle bending technique

• Recap with both hands

When handling used linen soiled with blood and other body fluids, what is the correct procedure to minimize the risk of contamination?

• Shake the linen to remove debris before transporting it.

• Properly handle, transport, and process the linen while avoiding contact with your clothing and other surfaces.

• Place the linen directly on the floor before cleaning.

• Rinse the linen in the sink before transporting it.

What is the recommended method for changing linen or paper on an examination bed?

• Change the linen without gloves and fold it neatly.

• Wear gloves and roll the sheet up and away from you.

• Shake the linen to remove dust before rolling it.

• Place the linen in a regular trash bin.

Why should used linen be held at arm’s length when carrying it to the disposal area?

• To make it easier to carry.

• To avoid contact with your body and reduce the risk of contamination.

• To show others that the linen is dirty.

• To prevent the linen from touching the floor.

Which of the following is the correct procedure for cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces in a health environment?

• Use the recommended disinfectant to wipe all potentially contaminated surfaces such as countertops, examination beds, chairs, sinks, and taps.

• Use only water to rinse all surfaces.

• Wipe surfaces with a dry cloth only.

• Spray air freshener on all surfaces.