Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Healthcare Safety Professional Exam. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering detailed hints and explanations. Excel in your certification test!

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What is the main function of contaminated sharps in healthcare?

To provide patient comfort
To manage biowaste safely
To deliver medications
To pose a risk of infection

The correct answer is: To pose a risk of infection

Contaminated sharps primarily pose a risk of infection due to their potential to transmit pathogens when they penetrate the skin. In healthcare settings, sharps such as needles, blades, and other instruments can become contaminated with blood or other body fluids. When these items are not disposed of properly, they can lead to needlestick injuries or cuts, which can expose healthcare workers and patients to serious infections, including bloodborne viruses like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Understanding this risk emphasizes the importance of strict safety protocols for the handling and disposal of contaminated sharps. Safeguarding measures include using puncture-resistant sharps containers and following proper disposal procedures to minimize the risk of injury and subsequent infection transmission. This focus on the hazardous nature of contaminated sharps underlines the critical role of training and safety practices in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.