Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What does the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act aim to achieve?

1. Increase the use of syringes in healthcare

2. Minimize employee exposure to blood through sharps injuries

3. Encourage the use of needles for medication delivery

4. Promote the use of oral medications over injections

The correct answer is: Minimize employee exposure to blood through sharps injuries

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act primarily aims to minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens through the prevention of sharp injuries, such as those caused by needlesticks. This legislation is crucial in healthcare settings, where there is a constant risk of accidental injuries from needles and other sharp instruments used in patient care. The Act requires employers to implement safer needle devices and ensure that they are used whenever possible, thus directly addressing the health and safety of healthcare workers. By focusing on reducing these injuries, the law seeks to protect workers from the potential transmission of infectious diseases, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety. While the other options touch on aspects of needle use in healthcare, they do not accurately reflect the primary objective of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, which is centered on minimizing the risk associated with sharps injuries rather than promoting the use of syringes or oral medications.