A case manager in a rehabilitation facility is discussing discharge plans with a client who has a pressure injury and requires a special bed at home. Which of the following statements should the nurse make first?

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.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that causes an infection of the colon, which can result in diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever¹. Clostridium difficile is transmitted by contact with fecal matter or contaminated surfaces². Therefore, it requires contact precautions, not airborne precautions³.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches⁴. Influenza is transmitted by respiratory droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking⁵. Therefore, it requires droplet precautions, not airborne precautions³.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Disseminated herpes zoster is a widespread form of shingles that affects multiple areas of the skin and can involve the internal organs⁶. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox⁷. Disseminated herpes zoster is transmitted by airborne particles that contain the virus, or by direct contact with the lesions⁶. Therefore, it requires airborne precautions, as well as contact precautions³.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes mild to severe infections of the lungs and airways, especially in infants and young children⁸. RSV is transmitted by respiratory droplets, or by contact with contaminated surfaces or secretions⁹. Therefore, it requires contact precautions, and sometimes droplet precautions, but not airborne precautions³.