A nurse accidentally receives a needlestick injury from a used vaccination needle while administering a vaccine. What is the nurse's priority action according to standard protocols for such incidents?
Apply a tourniquet above the injury site to prevent blood flow.
Immediately report the injury to the appropriate department and follow facility post-exposure procedures.
Flush the injury site with antiseptic solution and cover with a sterile bandage, then continue work without reporting.
Dispose of the needle in the sharps container and wait to see if
The Correct Answer is B
A. Apply a tourniquet above the injury site to prevent blood flow: Applying a tourniquet is not recommended and may increase tissue damage or concentrate pathogens in the area. Standard protocols focus on cleaning the wound and prompt reporting rather than restricting blood flow.
B. Immediately report the injury to the appropriate department and follow facility post-exposure procedures: Prompt reporting allows initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis, baseline testing for bloodborne pathogens, and proper documentation. Early intervention reduces the risk of transmission of infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.
C. Flush the injury site with antiseptic solution and cover with a sterile bandage, then continue work without reporting: While immediate wound cleansing is important, failing to report the exposure prevents access to appropriate prophylaxis and follow-up care. Continuing work without reporting violates safety protocols and increases infection risk.
D. Dispose of the needle in the sharps container and wait to see if symptoms develop: Merely disposing of the needle without reporting delays evaluation, testing, and treatment. Post-exposure procedures must be initiated immediately, not after symptoms appear, because many bloodborne infections are asymptomatic initially.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Calculation:
- Identify the total volume and infusion time
Total Volume: 360 mL
Infusion Time: 3 hours
- Calculate the infusion rate
Infusion Rate (mL/hr) = Total Volume ÷ Time
Infusion Rate = 360 ÷ 3
= 120 mL/hr
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Flush the IV catheter with saline to check patency: Flushing the catheter in the presence of swelling, pallor, and discomfort risks worsening infiltration or extravasation. Patency should not be tested when signs of tissue injury are present.
B. Notify the provider without stopping the infusion: Continuing the infusion can cause further tissue damage or complications. Immediate action to stop the infusion is required before contacting the provider.
C. Stop the infusion immediately and report to the physician: Swelling, pallor, and pain indicate infiltration or extravasation. The first priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further tissue injury, followed by assessment, documentation, and notification of the provider.
D. Increase the rate of infusion: Increasing the infusion rate would exacerbate tissue damage and is contraindicated in the presence of infiltration or extravasation.
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