A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about wearing medical masks. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A. Immunosuppressant medications are drugs that suppress or weaken the immune system. They are often prescribed to prevent rejection of transplanted organs or to treat autoimmune diseases. However, a weakened immune system makes individuals more susceptible to infections because their body's ability to fight off pathogens is compromised. Therefore, clients taking immunosuppressant medications have an increased risk of contracting communicable diseases.
B. Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, making it less effective in defending against infections. Essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in immune function. A deficiency in these nutrients can impair immune responses, making individuals more vulnerable to communicable diseases.
C. Keeping immunizations up to date helps protect individuals from specific communicable diseases for which vaccines are available. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against particular pathogens, providing immunity. Therefore, if immunizations are up to date, the client's risk of contracting certain communicable diseases is reduced.
D. Aging is associated with changes in the immune system, known as immunosenescence, which can weaken immune responses. Older adults may have decreased production of immune cells and antibodies, making them more susceptible to infections. Additionally, aging is often accompanied by chronic health conditions or medications that further compromise immune function, increasing the risk of communicable diseases.
E. Living in a nursing home or long-term care facility can increase the risk of exposure to communicable diseases due to close contact with other residents, sharing of common spaces, and potentially inadequate infection control practices. Older adults in nursing homes may also have multiple chronic conditions and weakened immune systems, further increasing their susceptibility to infections.

A. This instruction is important for safely disposing of needles after use. Safety devices, such as needle safety shields or retractable needles, should be activated immediately after use to prevent accidental needlestick injuries during disposal. Engaging the safety device helps enclose the needle and reduce the risk of subsequent handling injuries.
B. Large-bore needles, which include needles used for procedures such as blood draws or injections, should be disposed of into puncture-resistant sharps containers, not waterproof wastebaskets. Sharps

containers are specifically designed to safely collect needles and prevent accidental needlestick injuries. Using waterproof wastebaskets does not provide adequate protection and increases the risk of injuries.
C. Bending needles, even those without safety devices, is not recommended. Manipulating needles can increase the risk of needlestick injuries. It is safer to dispose of needles intact into sharps containers designed for safe disposal. Sharps containers are puncture-resistant and prevent accidental exposures to used needles.
D. Sharps containers should not be used until they are completely full. They should be replaced and disposed of according to healthcare facility protocols and regulatory guidelines. Overfilling sharps containers increases the risk of needlestick injuries during disposal and handling. It is essential to follow facility policies for timely replacement and disposal of sharps containers to maintain a safe environment.