Which action demonstrates proper personal protection when you encounter a syringe?

Which action demonstrates proper personal protection when you encounter a syringe?

• A. Touch it with bare hands
• B. Put gloves on
• C. Immediately dispose of it in trash
• D. Move away and call for supervision

Answer: (B)

Wearing gloves provides a barrier between your skin and the syringe, reducing the risk of contact with blood or bodily fluids and preventing needle-stick injuries. This immediate protective step is fundamental for any potential exposure situation, and it aligns with standard safety practices for handling sharps. Touching it with bare hands could result in contamination, while disposing of it in regular trash is unsafe and not allowed in many policies because sharps require a puncture-resistant container. Moving away and seeking supervision is sensible as part of a safe response, but it doesn’t give you the protective barrier you need right now. Putting on gloves first reduces risk and is the appropriate immediate action.

Wearing gloves provides a barrier between your skin and the syringe, reducing the risk of contact with blood or bodily fluids and preventing needle-stick injuries. This immediate protective step is fundamental for any potential exposure situation, and it aligns with standard safety practices for handling sharps. Touching it with bare hands could result in contamination, while disposing of it in regular trash is unsafe and not allowed in many policies because sharps require a puncture-resistant container. Moving away and seeking supervision is sensible as part of a safe response, but it doesn’t give you the protective barrier you need right now. Putting on gloves first reduces risk and is the appropriate immediate action.