An infection control nurse is teaching a class about transmission of infectious agents. The nurse should include that which of the following diseases is transmitted via airborne transmission?

A. An N-95 respirator is designed to filter out airborne particles and is used primarily for protection against airborne diseases such as tuberculosis or certain respiratory infections like COVID-19. It is not necessary for contact precautions unless there is also a risk of airborne transmission.

B. Goggles protect the eyes from splashes, sprays, or droplets of infectious material. They are not typically required for routine contact precautions unless there is a risk of splashes or sprays to the eyes.
C. Gloves are essential for contact precautions. They protect the nurse's hands from direct contact with potentially infectious material on the client's bed linen or any contaminated surfaces. Gloves should be worn when handling soiled linen and removed and discarded appropriately after use.
D. A face shield provides full-face protection against splashes, sprays, or splatters of infectious material. It is particularly useful when there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids or during procedures that may generate splashes. While not always required for routine contact precautions, it may be used depending on the specific situation, such as when cleaning surfaces heavily contaminated with body fluids.

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.