A nurse is caring for a group of patients on an adult medical-surgical unit.
Which patient should the nurse identify as having the highest risk for aspiration?

Choice A rationale:

Recapping needles is a dangerous practice that significantly increases the risk of needlestick injuries.

The act of recapping involves directing the sharp end of the needle towards one's hand, creating a high likelihood of accidental puncture.

Even experienced healthcare professionals are susceptible to needlestick injuries during recapping.

Wastebaskets are not designed for the safe disposal of sharps and can easily be punctured, leading to potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Choice B rationale:

While it is true that needles should not be recapped on ABG specimens, this option does not address the broader issue of safe needle disposal in general.

Focusing solely on ABG specimens could lead to the misconception that recapping is acceptable for other types of needles.

Choice D rationale:

Breaking needles in half is not recommended as a standard practice for needle disposal.

This action can create sharp fragments that are difficult to handle and can still cause injuries.

Sharps disposal containers are designed to safely contain intact needles and should be used as the primary method of disposal.

Choice C rationale:

Placing uncapped needles directly into a puncture-proof container is the safest and most recommended practice for needle disposal.

These containers are specifically designed to prevent needlestick injuries by shielding the sharps from accidental contact. They are typically made of hard plastic or metal and are clearly labeled for biohazard waste.

Using puncture-proof containers consistently for all needle disposal significantly reduces the risk of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers.

The correct answer is choiceD.

Choice A rationale:

Assisting the client back into bed is not the initial action.Moving the client without assessing their condition could potentially cause harm.

Choice B rationale:

Notifying the client’s provider is important, but it should be done after assessing the client’s condition to provide accurate information.

Choice C rationale:

Informing the client’s family member is not the immediate priority.The nurse should first ensure the client’s safety and assess their condition.

Choice D rationale:

Obtaining the client’s vital signs is the initial action.This helps assess the client’s current condition and determine if there are any immediate medical needs.