During a routine school visit to a physical education class, a nurse receives multiple reports of shortness of breath, coughing, and nausea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Evaluating the methods of successful smoking cessation programs is an important step in planning a smoking cessation program, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to assess the needs and characteristics of the target population before selecting the most appropriate methods and interventions¹.

Choice B reason: Gaining community support for the program is a key factor in ensuring the program's sustainability and effectiveness, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to identify the stakeholders and partners who can help with the program's implementation and evaluation².

Choice C reason: Determining the prevalence of smoking in the community is the first action the nurse should take. This is an assessment step that will help the nurse estimate the magnitude of the problem, identify the risk factors and barriers, and prioritize the goals and strategies for the program³.

Choice D reason: Formulating objectives for the smoking cessation program is a planning step that requires assessment data. The nurse should not formulate objectives without first determining the prevalence of smoking in the community and the needs and preferences of the potential participants⁴.

Choice A reason: Wearing gloves when discarding the syringes is not necessary, as long as the syringes are placed in a sharps disposal container immediately after use. Gloves do not prevent needle-stick injuries or infections¹.

Choice B reason: Storing used syringes in a biohazard bag before discarding is not recommended, as biohazard bags are not puncture-resistant and may leak or spill. Biohazard bags are also not accepted by most disposal programs².

Choice C reason: Taking containers of used syringes to the local recycling center is not appropriate, as recycling centers do not accept medical waste. Recycling centers may also expose workers and the environment to potential hazards from the syringes³.

Choice D reason: Discarding the syringes in a metal container is a correct way to dispose of insulin needles, as long as the container is labeled as "Sharps" and has a tight-fitting lid. Metal containers, such as coffee cans or detergent bottles, are strong and durable and can prevent needle-stick injuries. Metal containers can be dropped off at designated collection sites or mailed back to disposal programs.