What is a key strategy to prevent needlestick injuries?

• A. Reuse needles after sterilization.
• B. Increase needle size.
• C. Use safe injection devices and proper sharps disposal, along with standard precautions.
• D. Avoid wearing gloves.

Answer: (C)

Safe injection practices focus on preventing exposure to needlesticks by using devices that protect the clinician and by disposing of sharps immediately and properly. The best approach combines safety-engineered injection devices that shield or retract the needle, proper disposal of used sharps in approved containers, and following standard precautions such as hand hygiene and appropriate PPE during all patient care activities with needles. This reduces the chance of accidental punctures and potential infection because the risk often occurs during needle handling, transfer, and disposal. Reusing needles after sterilization is unsafe and does not address the root risk. Increasing needle size does not prevent injuries. Wearing gloves alone does not prevent needlestick injuries; gloves are part of protection but do not stop a needle puncture.