What should be done to maintain the sterility of needles and syringes?

To maintain the sterility of needles and syringes, it is essential that they be sterile at the time of use. Sterility ensures that these instruments are free from any living microorganisms, which is critical in preventing infections when administering injections. Using a sterile needle and syringe from a sealed package guarantees that they have not been contaminated.

Maintaining sterility involves using needles and syringes that have been sterilized through proper methods, such as autoclaving or packaging them in sterile environments. This is especially important in clinical settings where the risk of exposure to pathogens is high.

The other choices do not align with the requirements for maintaining sterility. Cleaning needles and syringes with soap and water does not achieve the level of sterility needed, as it can leave behind contaminants. Reusing devices, even after rinsing, poses a significant risk of transferring pathogens. Storing them in the refrigerator does not contribute to their sterility and may even compromise their integrity and safety. Thus, ensuring that needles and syringes are sterile is a fundamental practice in clinical patient care.