Zola has a splinter in her finger. which of the following actions should she take before she uses a sewing needle to remove the splinter?Give reasons for your answer.

a- wipe the needle with a clean cloth.
b- wash the needle in hot soapy water.
c- pass the needle through a flame on the gas stove.

Which of the three above kills bacteria?

Before using a sewing needle to remove a splinter, Zola should wipe the needle with a clean cloth (option a). This is the recommended action for several reasons:

1. Cleaning the needle: Wiping the needle with a clean cloth helps remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on its surface. This step is essential to ensure that the needle is as clean as possible before it comes into contact with the skin.

2. Reducing the risk of infection: While the needle itself may not be the primary source of infection, it is always a good practice to maintain cleanliness and minimize any potential risks. By wiping the needle, Zola can reduce the chances of introducing bacteria or other pathogens to the site of the splinter, lowering the risk of infection.

3. Simplicity and accessibility: Wiping the needle with a clean cloth is a practical and easily accessible option. It does not require any specialized equipment or additional steps, making it a convenient choice for the immediate cleaning of the needle.

On the other hand, options b and c (washing the needle in hot soapy water and passing the needle through a flame on the gas stove) may not be suitable for this specific situation:

- Washing the needle in hot soapy water (option b) can be effective in some cases, but it may not be necessary in this situation. Splinters are typically small and superficial, so wiping the needle with a clean cloth should be sufficient for cleaning purposes.

- Passing the needle through a flame on the gas stove (option c), also known as sterilization by heat, is a more advanced method typically used in medical settings. While effective in killing certain bacteria and pathogens, it involves higher temperatures and the risk of accidental burns. In this case, the risk and complexity outweigh the potential benefits, especially considering the size and nature of the splinter.