The nurse reviews an occupational needlestick record. Which action is the priority?
Chart/Exhibit
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Occupational HIV exposure is an urgent event. Immediate site care, reporting, risk assessment, baseline testing, and prompt initiation of a recommended three-drug PEP regimen should proceed without waiting for delayed source results.
Quick answer Start the occupational-exposure pathway immediately.
Why this is correct The 2025 USPHS guidance emphasizes rapid access to PEP, baseline testing, source evaluation, and follow-up. PEP can be revised when additional source information returns.
Easy analogy or mental picture Begin the safety net while the laboratory picture is still developing.
Memory hook Wash, report, test, and start PEP promptly.
NCLEX decision rule Do not let a pending source result create an avoidable treatment delay.
Why the other choices are wrong Caustic scrubbing injures tissue, delayed reporting loses time, and single-drug therapy with no follow-up is not the recommended pathway.
References
12025 US Public Health Service Occupational HIV PEP GuidelinesImmediate exposure care, rapid source and exposed-person testing, prompt three-drug PEP, and follow-up
Occupational exposureDocument time, device, depth, source fluid, site care, source testing, baseline exposed-person testing, PEP start, interactions, renal function, and follow-up.