What percentage of sharps injuries are due to the use of hypodermic needles or syringes, suture needles, winged-steel or butterfly-type needles, blood collection needles, scalpels, and iv stylets? a. 20% b. 60% c. 80% d. 100%

80% of the sharp injuries are due to the use of hypodermic needles or syringes, suture needles, winged steel or butterfly type needles, blood collection needles, scalpels and IV stylets.

Further Explanation:

Sharps injuries are caused by use of sharp equipment in the healthcare sector in a speedy, potentially unstaffed environment and stressful conditions. The penetration of sharp objects like needle or scalpel that results in exposure to the blood or body fluids causes sharps injuries.

A typical hypodermic needle is the hollow needle that can be used to either extract substances from the body or inject the fluids into the body. Hypodermic needle is typically used in healthcare center for several injections that demands venipuncture. This is also used for extraction of blood samples or any other fluid extraction. Suture needle is used for penetrating through dermal tissues which are hard and tough. Blood collection needles are hypodermic needles attached with a vacutainer that is used to extract the blood opposite pressure. The needle is typically 1 inch in length. Scalpels are sharp blade like structures that are used for anatomical dissection, surgeries etc. The scalpels maybe single use disposable or reusable ones. The unprofessional use of these scalpels can cause severe injuries that can be termed as sharps injuries. IV stylets it is a theme slender surgical probe. The rigidity of the catheter is maintained by the insertion of a thin wire into a hollow needle to maintain patency.

It has been observed by various surveys that the percentage of sharp injuries tends to be very high in areas of Health care centers where there is lack of knowledge and proper training. The unprofessional use of sharp surgical equipment can cause injuries.

Learn More:

1. Learn more about effects of vigorous exercise on cardiorespiratory system

2. Learn more about the structure of epithelium and connective tissue

3. Learn more about secondary function of the lymphatic system

Answer Details:

Grade: Senior School

Subject: Health

Topic: Healthcare Injuries

Keywords:

Sharps, sharps injuries, hypodermic needles, syringes, suture needles, winged steel needles, blood collection needles, scalpels, IV stylets, surgical equipment, unprofessional use, slender surgical probe, surgical probe.