The nurse is teaching a client about the use of syringes and needles for home administration of medications. Which action by the client indicates an understanding of standard precautions?

Choice A reason:Hand hygiene is the foundation of Standard Precautions and the single most effective action to prevent transmission of infectious agents. Performing handwashing or using an alcohol‑based hand rub immediately before preparing or administering an injection removes transient microorganisms acquired from touching surfaces and protects both the client and the environment from contamination

Choice B reason:While wearing gloves during handling and disposal of contaminated sharps is recommended whenever there is potential contact with blood or body fluids, it is a secondary barrier. Reliance on gloves alone is insufficient because gloves can have micro‑perforations and are removed after use, making hand hygiene before and after glove use the priority

Choice C reason: Donning a face mask before administering the medication is not a necessary action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. A face mask is only required when there is a risk of droplet transmission of infectious agents, such as when caring for a client with respiratory infections. It is not needed for self-administration of medications, unless the medication is aerosolized or nebulized.

Choice D reason: Removing the needle before discarding used syringes is not a safe action to indicate an understanding of standard precautions. It increases the risk of needle-stick injuries and contamination. The needle and syringe should be disposed of as a single unit in a puncture-resistant container.

Choice A reason: Using simulation activities is the most useful action for the nurse to include during the teaching session. It allows the clients to practice and apply their problem-solving skills in realistic and relevant scenarios. It also enhances their motivation, engagement, and feedback.

Choice B reason: Offering positive reinforcement is a helpful action for the nurse to include during the teaching session, but not the most useful one. It can increase the clients' confidence and self-efficacy, but it does not directly teach them how to solve problems.

Choice C reason: Incorporating verbal analogies is a creative action for the nurse to include during the teaching session, but not the most useful one. It can help the clients to understand complex or abstract concepts by relating them to familiar or simpler ones, but it does not necessarily improve their problem-solving skills.

Choice D reason: Providing physical demonstrations is a clear action for the nurse to include during the teaching session, but not the most useful one. It can show the clients how to perform a specific task or procedure, but it does not encourage them to think critically or independently.