Final answer:
Needles should not be reused even on the same patient due to the risk of infection. Contamination can occur upon first use, and reusing a needle can introduce pathogens into the bloodstream, leading to serious infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to whether needles can be reused on the same patient, and the correct answer is B) No, due to the risk of infection. Each time a needle is used, it can become contaminated with blood and other biological materials, which may contain pathogens. Even when used on the same patient, reusing a needle poses a significant risk of introducing bacteria or viruses into the patient's bloodstream, which can lead to serious infections.
All medical items that penetrate the skin, such as needles, require strict adherence to sterilization and infection control practices to prevent disease transmission. This is especially important for populations at high risk of infections, such as drug addicts, and for those with a higher risk of needle sticks, such as phlebotomists and dentists. Safe practices dictate that needles should be used once and then disposed of properly in sharps containers.