CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyEasy
After giving an insulin injection, a nurse aide must dispose of the used needle. What is the correct action?
- APlace the uncapped needle directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container
- BRecap the needle before throwing it in the trash
- CBend the needle and place it in a biohazard bag
- DLeave the needle on the tray for the nurse to discard later
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Place the uncapped needle directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container
Used needles must be placed immediately into a puncture-resistant sharps container without recapping to prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Recapping, bending, or leaving needles unattended increases the risk of injury and infection exposure.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Recapping needles is a leading cause of accidental needlestick injuries.
- C. Bending needles is unsafe and increases puncture risk.
- D. Leaving a used needle unattended is a serious safety hazard.
Sharps Disposal Safety
The practice of immediately discarding used needles and sharp objects into puncture-resistant containers to prevent injury and bloodborne pathogen exposure.
- Never recap used needles
- Dispose immediately after use
- Use only labeled, puncture-resistant sharps containers
Memory trick: See it, use it, drop it — never recap a sharp.