When sharps are used, which safety measure should be performed?

• A. Count before members arriving and before members leaving
• B. Sanitize equipment after use
• C. Document usage in chart
• D. Notify supervisor

Answer: (A)

Counting sharps before anyone arrives and before anyone leaves ensures that every sharp introduced into care stays accounted for and is disposed of or stored properly. This practice minimizes the risk of needle-stick injuries to both staff and clients by quickly revealing any missing sharps that could be left behind. Sanitation after use is important for infection control, but it does not by itself guarantee that sharps are accounted for; documenting usage is about records, and notifying a supervisor is appropriate if there’s an incident or missing sharps, but the routine safety check is the count.