Final answer:
Immediately report any needle stick incidents to reduce the risk of infections and start necessary treatments, especially in occupations with a higher risk of needle sticks like drug addicts, phlebotomists, and dentists.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you accidentally stick yourself with a needle, it is imperative to report the incident immediately. Time is of the essence to reduce the risk of potential infections and to start any prophylactic treatments, if necessary. Certain professions, such as drug addicts, phlebotomists, and dentists, have a higher risk of needle sticks, therefore increasing the urgency in these situations.
In the case of tests that involve introducing substances into the skin, such as the tuberculin skin test where the needles are coated with tuberculin, a protein extract of TB bacteria, it is also crucial to report any accidental needle sticks. After the introduction of tuberculin, a response is checked within 1 to 3 days for signs of delayed hypersensitivity, indicating an immune response.
As illustrated by the situation with a patient confirmed to have HIV after a potential incident with compromised syringes, hospitals have protocols to cover treatment fully and typically initiate treatment immediately upon reporting the incident. The immediate response can be vital to both the physical health of the individual and the legal and financial considerations of all parties involved.