After administering insulin, what is the proper procedure for disposing of the needle?

The proper procedure for disposing of the needle is to dispose of the syringe in a sharps container. This method ensures that used needles and syringes are handled safely and properly to prevent injury and contamination. Sharps containers are specifically designed to hold sharp objects like needles, preventing them from being a danger to others and ensuring safe disposal.

Using a sharps container is crucial because it minimizes the risk of needle-stick injuries, which can transmit infections. These containers are puncture-resistant, securely closed, and usually marked with a biohazard symbol, indicating that they contain potentially hazardous materials.

Other disposal methods, such as placing the needle in regular trash or recycling, can pose significant health risks, as they could expose sanitation workers and others to used medical equipment. Storing needles for future use is also inappropriate, as it violates safety protocols and increases the risk of accidental needle sticks.