The nurse is caring for a patient who is having blood drawn as part of preoperative testing. Which step is the most important to ensure the safety of the patient and the nurse?
a. Ensuring that the tourniquet is not left in place for too long
b. Using the smallest possible needle for venipuncture
c. Properly disposing of the needle after the specimen is obtained
d. Making sure that all of the collection tubes are filled completely
ANS: C
Proper disposal of needles and sharps after procedures is essential for safe nursing practice to ensure the safety of staff as well as patients. Ensuring that the tourniquet is not left on too long, using the smallest needle possible, and making sure that all of the vials are filled are important steps in venipuncture, but only proper sharps disposal will help ensure the safety of the patient and the nurse.
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