Which of the following statements about safe injection practices are true?

The statement that syringes should not be reused to enter medication containers, even when obtaining additional doses for an individual resident, is correct. This practice is critical in infection prevention because reusing syringes can lead to cross-contamination and the transfer of harmful pathogens. Each time a syringe is introduced into a medication container, there is a risk of introducing bacteria or viruses that could compromise the safety of the medication and pose a risk to patients.

Additionally, maintaining the integrity of medication containers is vital for patient safety. Once a syringe has come into contact with a patient’s blood or bodily fluids, it could carry infectious agents, which can spread infection if it is used to access medication again. Therefore, it is crucial to use a new, sterile syringe for each entry into medication containers to prevent any risk of infection.

This understanding reinforces the necessity of adhering to strict safe injection practices, which are designed to prevent the transmission of infections within healthcare settings. Avoiding the reuse of syringes, maintaining careful disposal protocols, and ensuring proper glove usage are all part of the broader strategy to safeguard patient health.