Final answer:
b) A fully saturated cotton ball contaminated with blood would be disposed of in a red biohazard bag as it is considered biohazardous waste able to transmit disease-causing organisms. Sharps like dirty needles, meanwhile, are usually disposed of in puncture-resistant sharps containers.
Step-by-step explanation:
If one of the supplies listed below became contaminated with blood, the one that would be disposed of inside a red biohazard bag is a fully saturated cotton ball. This item fits the criteria for biohazardous waste as it could potentially be saturated with blood-containing disease-causing organisms. Biohazard waste management protocols dictate that such materials must be properly contained to prevent exposure and transmission of infectious agents. Other items such as dirty needles, broken tubes, and transfer devices may also be considered biohazardous but are typically disposed of in sharps containers because of their potential to cause puncture wounds. Sharps containers are puncture-resistant and help prevent needle-stick injuries to individuals handling medical waste. It's important to recognize the international symbol for biohazards and to understand the procedures for the disposal of all waste materials, especially those that are considered biohazard waste. Items such as needles and other sharp objects should be sterilized by autoclave, where possible, before disposal to neutralize any biohazard risk they may pose.