A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about reducing the risk of needlestick injuries. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. This instruction is important for safely disposing of needles after use. Safety devices, such as needle safety shields or retractable needles, should be activated immediately after use to prevent accidental needlestick injuries during disposal. Engaging the safety device helps enclose the needle and reduce the risk of subsequent handling injuries.
B. Large-bore needles, which include needles used for procedures such as blood draws or injections, should be disposed of into puncture-resistant sharps containers, not waterproof wastebaskets. Sharps

containers are specifically designed to safely collect needles and prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Using waterproof wastebaskets does not provide adequate protection and increases the risk of injuries.
C. Bending needles, even those without safety devices, is not recommended. Manipulating needles can increase the risk of needlestick injuries. It is safer to dispose of needles intact into sharps containers designed for safe disposal. Sharps containers are puncture-resistant and prevent accidental exposures to used needles.
D. Sharps containers should not be used until they are completely full. They should be replaced and disposed of according to healthcare facility protocols and regulatory guidelines. Overfilling sharps containers increases the risk of needlestick injuries during disposal and handling. It is essential to follow facility policies for timely replacement and disposal of sharps containers to maintain a safe environment.

A. Calling the healthcare provider is a reasonable action, especially when there is a significant change in the patient's condition, such as weight gain and generalized edema. The nurse may need further guidance on adjusting medications or additional interventions.

B. Diuretics are commonly prescribed for patients with heart failure to manage fluid overload. If the patient has not been compliant with taking their diuretic as prescribed, it could contribute to fluid retention and exacerbation of symptoms. Therefore, ensuring medication adherence is important. However, this alone may not address the acute issue of current weight gain and edema.
C. Daily weight monitoring is crucial for patients with heart failure as it can indicate fluid retention early on. Reinforcing the importance of daily weights helps in early detection of changes and facilitates timely intervention. However, in this scenario, the nurse has already noted a significant weight gain and edema since the last visit, so immediate action beyond education is needed.
D. Documenting the findings is essential for maintaining accurate patient records. However, in the context of a patient with heart failure who has shown signs of worsening (weight gain and edema), immediate action to address the worsening condition is necessary.