ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

What is the proper procedure for disposing of contaminated needles?

1. Recap the needle, remove the syringe, and dispose of the needle

2. Do not recap the needle, remove the syringe, and dispose of the needle

3. Recap the needle and dispose of the entire syringe

4. Do not recap the needle and dispose of the entire syringe

The correct answer is: Do not recap the needle and dispose of the entire syringe

The correct procedure for disposing of contaminated needles emphasizes safety in order to prevent needle-stick injuries and the potential transmission of infections. When handling contaminated needles, it is critical to avoid recapping them. Recapping can increase the risk of accidental punctures, which may expose healthcare workers to bloodborne pathogens. Instead, the needle should be removed from the syringe without recapping and disposed of directly. In many facilities, this means placing the entire syringe and needle into an appropriate sharps disposal container that is puncture-resistant and clearly labeled for that purpose. This method ensures that the sharp is safely contained and minimizes any risk of injury during disposal. The approach of not recapping the needle combined with safely disposing of the entire syringe aligns with best practices in infection control and enhances the safety of healthcare environments. Proper disposal protocols are vital in maintaining safety standards and protecting both healthcare workers and patients.