A nurse sustains a needlestick injury after giving an injection. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Apply a pressure dressing and continue the shift.
2Wait for laboratory results before reporting the exposure.
3Wash the area with soap and water immediately.✓ Correct answer
4Complete the incident report before cleaning the area.
Explanation
The immediate first action after a needlestick is to wash the area with soap and water. Reporting, evaluation, and documentation are also required but follow immediate wound care. Waiting or continuing the shift without reporting delays postexposure management.
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Needlestick injury first action.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical Practice GuideFor Needlestick injury first action, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
CautionDo not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Needlestick Injury — A puncture wound from a used needle or sharp device.
Occupational Exposure — Exposure to blood or body fluids that occurs during work duties.
Postexposure Management — Evaluation and follow-up care after possible exposure to infection.