Which of the following is a non-critical item?

A non-critical item is defined as equipment or items that come into contact only with intact skin and pose a low risk of infection transmission. In the context of the choices given, a blood pressure cuff falls into this category because it is used on intact skin and does not penetrate the body's barriers.

Needles, surgical gloves, and scalpels, on the other hand, are considered critical or semi-critical items because they can either penetrate the skin or come into contact with mucous membranes, making them higher risk in terms of potential infection transmission. Therefore, they require more stringent sterilization processes to ensure safety.

Understanding the classification of medical instruments and equipment is essential for infection control practices in a healthcare setting. Properly identifying non-critical items like a blood pressure cuff helps determine appropriate cleaning and disinfection protocols, which is crucial for maintaining a safe clinical environment.