# A nurse sustains a needlestick injury after giving an injection. What should the nurse do first?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396603&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Accident/Error/Injury Prevention  
> category: SIPC

## Question

A nurse sustains a needlestick injury after giving an injection. What should the nurse do first?

## Option

1. Wash the area with soap and water and follow the exposure reporting procedure. **✔ Correct answer**
2. Finish the shift and report the injury at the end of the day.
3. Apply a tourniquet above the puncture site.
4. Ignore the injury if the needle appears clean.

**Correct answer: 1**

## Explanation

Immediate cleansing and prompt reporting are essential after a needlestick injury so exposure evaluation and postexposure management can begin. Waiting or ignoring the injury delays care. A tourniquet is not part of standard first response.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Needlestick exposure.

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 scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Needlestick exposure, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Needlestick Injury** — A puncture wound from a needle that may expose a worker to bloodborne pathogens.
- **Postexposure Management** — Evaluation and interventions after potential exposure to infectious material.
- **Bloodborne Pathogen** — A microorganism transmitted through blood or certain body fluids.

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