Final answer:
The correct answer is D. Discarded or disinfected; implements must be properly managed to ensure safety and cleanliness, with sterilization for critical items and appropriate disinfection for noncritical items.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option D. Discarded or disinfected. Implements that come in contact with a client during a service must be properly handled to prevent infection and ensure a high level of cleanliness. This involves either discarding them if they are intended for single-use or effectively disinfecting them if they are reusable.
Disinfection is crucial as it kills most microbial life, thus preventing the transmission of potential pathogens that could cause harm to the next client. For instance, in a healthcare setting, critical items, which come into contact with sterile tissue or the bloodstream, must be sterilized to destroy all forms of microbial life, including spores. On the other hand, items that may contact but not penetrate intact skin, termed as noncritical items, require only cleaning or an intermediate level of disinfection. The level of disinfection or sterilization required depends on the potential risk of infection associated with the use of these implements.