Needle Stick Injury Quiz

Nurses and physicians are prone to sustaining injuries during medical procedures due to the nature of their work. They often come into contact with sharp instruments, such as needles and scalpels, which can accidentally cause injuries. Additionally, they may be exposed to bodily fluids and hazardous substances, increasing the risk of infection or chemical exposure. Therefore, it is true that nurses and physicians sustain many injuries during medical procedures.

The maximum capacity for a sharp container refers to the point at which it is considered full and needs to be disposed of. In this case, the correct answer is 75%, indicating that the container should not be filled beyond this level to ensure safe handling and disposal of sharps. Filling the container beyond this capacity could increase the risk of accidental injuries and contamination.

The CDC recommends washing the area with soap and water after a needlestick accident to clean the wound and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, it is important to report the injury to a supervisor so that appropriate follow-up actions can be taken, such as evaluation and potential treatment. Using bleach immediately is not recommended by the CDC as it may cause further damage to the skin. Therefore, the correct answer is both A and B.

Safer devices and techniques can help prevent needlestick accidents by implementing measures such as using safety-engineered needles or retractable syringes. These devices are designed to minimize the risk of accidental needlesticks. Additionally, wearing gloves can provide a physical barrier between the healthcare worker's hands and the needle, reducing the chances of injury. By combining these two preventive measures, the risk of needlestick accidents can be significantly reduced.

The given statement "Re-capping is still allowed sometimes" is false. This implies that re-capping is not allowed sometimes, indicating that there are situations or circumstances where re-capping is prohibited.

Medical staff and EVS personnel are at high risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens due to their frequent contact with bodily fluids. Hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, are the three most common bloodborne pathogens that they are most commonly exposed to. These pathogens can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. Therefore, it is crucial for medical staff and EVS personnel to follow proper safety protocols and use personal protective equipment to prevent the transmission of these diseases.

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, would accept the reasons "Compromise the Patient & Employee Safety" and "Compromise the integrity of the procedure" for not using safety devices. These reasons are valid because OSHA's main objective is to ensure the safety and well-being of employees in the workplace. By compromising patient and employee safety, as well as the integrity of the procedure, the use of safety devices may be deemed unnecessary or inappropriate in certain situations. However, it is important to note that compromising one's beliefs is not a valid reason according to OSHA standards.

If you see needles without a safety device, you should inform both your supervisor and the safety officer. Your supervisor is responsible for overseeing the work environment and ensuring the safety of employees, while the safety officer is specifically trained to handle safety concerns and implement appropriate measures to prevent accidents and injuries. By informing both individuals, you ensure that the issue is addressed promptly and effectively.

The estimated number of needle sticks that occur in the US annually, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is between 800,000 and 1,000,000.

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act came into effect in 2001.

Needlestick injuries can be prevented by implementing proper safety measures and following protocols. The correct answer of 80% suggests that a significant percentage of needlestick incidents can be avoided through the implementation of preventive measures such as using safety devices, proper disposal of sharps, training healthcare workers on safe practices, and promoting awareness about the risks associated with needlesticks. This percentage indicates that a substantial number of needlestick injuries can be prevented with appropriate precautions and adherence to safety guidelines.

Sharp containers should be placed at a height of 52-56 inches from the floor. This height range is recommended to ensure easy accessibility and safety when disposing of sharp objects. Placing the containers too low or too high may cause inconvenience or potential hazards.