The nurse has just administered an IM injection to a client. In which of the following ways should the nurse dispose of the needle?

  1. re-cap the needle and discard it in the nearest puncture-resistant container
  2. break the needle and discard it in the nearest puncture-resistant container
  3. discard the needle in a puncture-resistant container in the central medication area
  4. discard the needle in a puncture-resistant container in the client’s room
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: Needles should be placed in the nearest puncture-resistant container intact. Needles should not be re-capped or broken.