Question

The first course of action a phlebotomist should follow immediately after a needle stick is

A. report the incident to the immediate supervisor.
B. wash the site with a disinfectant for a minimum of 30 seconds.
C. wash the site with soap and water for a minimum of 30 seconds.
D. report directly to a licensed healthcare provider for treatment.

Answer 1

A phlebotomist should wash the needle stick site with soap and water for at least 30 seconds immediately after exposure, followed by reporting the incident to their supervisor and potentially receiving post-exposure treatment like HBIG.

Step-by-step explanation:

Immediately after a needle stick, the first course of action a phlebotomist should take is c) to wash the site with soap and water for a minimum of 30 seconds.

This initial step is crucial for minimizing the risk of bloodborne pathogens entering the bloodstream and to ensure proper wound hygiene. After washing, the incident must be reported to the immediate supervisor and appropriate post-exposure treatment should be followed based on detailed protocols, which may include vaccination or immunoglobulin administration. It is vital to disinfect any possible contaminated equipment or areas thoroughly, while also considering the need for hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in case of exposure to HBV.

Answer 2

A phlebotomist should immediately wash the site with soap and water for at least 30 seconds after a needle stick. This is the most effective initial step in preventing infections, followed by reporting the incident and seeking medical guidance as necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first action a phlebotomist should follow immediately after a needle stick is to wash the site with soap and water for a minimum of 30 seconds. Washing exposed skin with soap and water is pivotal as it can help remove any potentially infectious material. The recommendation to avoid using antiseptics directly after washing is because they may not be as effective as thorough washing. Subsequent steps, such as reporting the incident, seeking medical guidance, and potential post-exposure prophylaxis, would follow the initial washing.

Handwashing is an essential part of infection control for health-care workers, and particularly for those at a higher risk of needle sticks. This precaution is part of the general recommendation for preventing infections in clinical settings. It's also important to ensure that all the other safety protocols, such as wearing protective clothing and properly disinfecting work areas, are being followed.