A nurse accidentally sticks her hand with a syringe needle after administering an IM injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Wash the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water.
Go to employee health services.
Complete an incident report.
Report the incident to the charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first and most immediate action to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury.
B. Going to employee health services is necessary but should follow immediate first aid measures.
C. Completing an incident report is important for documentation and accountability but is not the immediate priority after a needle-stick injury.
D. Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is necessary for proper protocol but does not take precedence over ensuring the injury is properly cleaned first.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Using an alcohol rub when hands are visibly soiled is incorrect; hands should be washed with soap and water in such cases.
B. Rubbing all surfaces of the hands with an alcohol rub for 20 to 30 seconds is an appropriate practice for effective hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled, ensuring thorough coverage of all hand surfaces.
C. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene; hands should be washed before putting on gloves and after removing them to prevent contamination.
D. Even if an individual does not have an infection, they can still carry pathogens on their hands that may infect others, highlighting the necessity of proper hand hygiene.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing the final medication check in the area where the medication was obtained does not ensure the correct patient is receiving the medication.
B. Documenting after administration does not allow for a final check of the medication against the patient’s identity and allergies.
C. Performing the final check at the client's bedside before administration allows the nurse to confirm the patient's identity, the medication's appropriateness, and the dosage immediately before giving it.
D. Reviewing the prescription at the nurses' station may not account for patient-specific factors that need to be confirmed at the bedside.