What term describes items that can cut or pierce the skin, such as needles and razor blades?

Prepare for the Nurse Aide I Module B – Infection Prevention Test. Leverage multiple choice questions, detailed flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Ensure your readiness for the exam!

Multiple Choice

What term describes items that can cut or pierce the skin, such as needles and razor blades?

Sharps are items that can cut or pierce the skin, such as needles, syringes, razor blades, and broken glass. Because these objects can transmit bloodborne pathogens, they require careful handling and disposal. Use standard precautions, never recap or bend needles, and place used sharps immediately into an approved sharps container that is not overfilled. This protects both staff and residents from infection. Other terms refer to mucus (sputum), protective barriers (shields), or a person who could become infected (susceptible host), but they do not describe objects that pierce the skin.

Sharps are items that can cut or pierce the skin, such as needles, syringes, razor blades, and broken glass. Because these objects can transmit bloodborne pathogens, they require careful handling and disposal. Use standard precautions, never recap or bend needles, and place used sharps immediately into an approved sharps container that is not overfilled. This protects both staff and residents from infection. Other terms refer to mucus (sputum), protective barriers (shields), or a person who could become infected (susceptible host), but they do not describe objects that pierce the skin.

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