An occupational health nurse at a group of health care clinics is planning activities to prevent and control the spread of communicable disease. The nurse should identify that which of the following activities is a secondary level of prevention?

A. While a blood pressure of 156/90 mm Hg may be elevated, it is not necessarily an indication to withhold propranolol, which is commonly used to treat hypertension.

B. A pulse rate of 54/min suggests bradycardia, which is a potential side effect of propranolol and may warrant withholding the medication.

C. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and is not typically a reason to withhold propranolol.

D. A sodium level of 130 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and is not typically a reason to withhold propranolol.

A. Detaching the needle from the syringe before discarding it increases the risk of needle-stick injuries. Needles should be disposed of as one unit to minimize the risk of injury.

B. Broken glass should be disposed of in a puncture-proof container to prevent injuries. Placing it directly in a wastebasket increases the risk of puncture injuries to individuals handling the waste.

C. Recapping needles increases the risk of needle-stick injuries. Needles should not be recapped after use unless there is no safer alternative. Instead, they should be disposed of as one unit.

D. Lancets, needles, and other sharp objects should be placed in puncture-proof containers immediately after use to prevent injuries. This practice helps ensure the safety of healthcare workers and others who handle waste.