What is the correct initial action when you discover used syringes in a clinic washroom?

What is the correct initial action when you discover used syringes in a clinic washroom?

• A. Wear protective clothing and dispose of needles in a puncture-proof container.
• B. Place a puncture-proof sharps container in the bathroom.
• C. Contact the police and municipal authorities.
• D. Ask the client whom the nurse suspects left the needles and syringes to dispose of them.

Answer: (A)

Handling sharps safely starts with protecting yourself and preventing exposure. The first action is to don protective clothing, such as gloves (and additional PPE if splash risk is present), so you don’t come into contact with used syringes. Once protected, you should place the needle or syringe into a puncture‑proof sharps container. This immediate containment stops the risk of needle‑stick injuries and keeps waste securely contained for proper disposal. Avoid handling the syringes with bare hands or improvising with regular trash, and don’t involve others or escalate to police unless the facility policy requires it for reporting or missing/sharp waste procedures. After securing the sharps, follow your clinic’s incident reporting and infection control procedures as appropriate.

Handling sharps safely starts with protecting yourself and preventing exposure. The first action is to don protective clothing, such as gloves (and additional PPE if splash risk is present), so you don’t come into contact with used syringes. Once protected, you should place the needle or syringe into a puncture‑proof sharps container. This immediate containment stops the risk of needle‑stick injuries and keeps waste securely contained for proper disposal.

Avoid handling the syringes with bare hands or improvising with regular trash, and don’t involve others or escalate to police unless the facility policy requires it for reporting or missing/sharp waste procedures. After securing the sharps, follow your clinic’s incident reporting and infection control procedures as appropriate.