Biohazard And Needle-Stick Exposure Response - NCLEX Rn

1. At an urgent care clinic, an RN sustains a needle-stick from a used lancet while assisting a 40-year-old client with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus; current medications include insulin lispro and insulin glargine. The puncture site on the nurse's fingertip is bleeding; the nurse's vital signs are temperature 98.6°F (37°C), heart rate 90/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 126/74 mm Hg. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?
   Answer: Clean the site immediately with soap and water, then promptly report for exposure evaluation and follow facility protocol The priority after a needlestick from a used lancet is immediate cleansing of the wound and prompt referral for post-exposure evaluation. Cleaning the site with soap and water reduces the viral and bacterial load, and reporting triggers the facility's exposure protocol, including risk assessment and possible prophylaxis. Placing the lancet in a labeled bag for laboratory culture is not indicated because culturing the device does not establish the nurse's infection risk and delays necessary follow-up. Covering the puncture site with a sterile bandage and completing the incident report before washing the wound skips decontamination, leaving pathogens at the site and reversing the correct sequence. Applying topical antibiotic ointment and waiting for signs of local infection substitutes self-treatment for the required systematic evaluation and delays potential prophylaxis. Therefore, the intervention that best prevents infection is immediate washing and reporting.
2. In a community clinic, a 29-year-old client (history: no known medical problems; medications: none) faints after a finger-stick test. While assisting the client to a chair, the nurse is stuck by the used lancet on the right finger; the puncture bleeds slightly. Vital signs: temperature 36.7°C (98.1°F), heart rate 80/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 122/74 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 99% on room air. The exposure involves blood and a sharp device. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?
   Answer: Wash the puncture site promptly with soap and water and then follow the clinic's exposure reporting process. When a nurse is stuck by a used lancet, the immediate priority is to decontaminate the wound and activate the exposure-reporting system so postexposure evaluation can begin. Washing the puncture site promptly with soap and water removes blood and contaminants, and following the clinic's reporting process ensures timely assessment for prophylaxis. Applying povidone-iodine and keeping it covered for 24 hours is not the recommended first step; soap and water is the standard decontamination, and prolonged covering does not reduce infection risk. Asking the client detailed questions about high-risk behaviors before any action delays washing and is not a priority; such questions belong after prompt wound care and reporting. Completing the incident report and then seeking first aid at the end of the clinic session reverses the correct order—first aid and reporting should happen immediately, not after paperwork or at session end. Therefore, the nurse must wash the site and report the exposure without delay.
3. In a long-term care facility, the nurse sustains a needle-stick while disposing of a used subcutaneous heparin needle after administering it to an 82-year-old resident with known human immunodeficiency virus infection (medications: antiretroviral therapy; history: hypertension). The puncture is on the left index finger with mild bleeding; vital signs: temperature 36.9°C (98.4°F), heart rate 80/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 130/70 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. The exposure has potential for human immunodeficiency virus transmission if not managed promptly. What is the nurse's FIRST action following exposure?
   Answer: Wash the puncture site with soap and water immediately and then notify the supervisor/occupational health This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure in high-risk clients with known infections. The priority framework involves immediate decontamination and safety protocols for HIV transmission prevention. Washing the puncture site with soap and water immediately and then notifying the supervisor/occupational health is the highest priority to reduce viral load and start prophylaxis timing. Starting prophylaxis from stock, completing documentation first, or waiting for orders delays critical steps. The decision-making principle prioritizes decontamination and reporting to enable rapid risk assessment. This follows CDC HIV post-exposure guidelines. A transferable strategy is to clean wounds first, report urgently, and seek prophylaxis evaluation in known infection exposures.
4. On a labor and delivery unit, the nurse sustains a needle-stick from a used suture needle during perineal repair for a 26-year-old postpartum client (history: no chronic illness; medications: prenatal vitamins). The puncture is on the left index finger with visible blood; vital signs: temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), heart rate 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 116/70 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 99% on room air. The client's prenatal infection screening results are not immediately available. What should the nurse DOCUMENT immediately post-exposure?
   Answer: The exact procedure being performed, type of device, depth of injury, and whether blood was visible on the device This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure, focusing on detailed documentation in obstetric settings. The priority framework uses safety protocols for comprehensive reporting to assess risk. Documenting the exact procedure, type of device, depth of injury, and whether blood was visible on the device is the highest priority for accurate risk evaluation. Estimates of risk, reassignment plans, or minimal details are subjective or insufficient. The decision-making principle is to capture exposure mechanics factually. This adheres to labor unit safety guidelines. A transferable strategy is to document procedure and injury specifics in all sharps incidents for thorough follow-up.
5. In an outpatient infusion clinic, an RN is stuck by a used subcutaneous needle while disposing of supplies after administering a biologic medication to a 52-year-old client with rheumatoid arthritis; current medications include adalimumab and naproxen. The puncture site is on the left ring finger with minimal bleeding; the nurse's vital signs are temperature 98.2°F (36.8°C), heart rate 82/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 120/76 mm Hg. What is the nurse's FIRST action following exposure?
   Answer: Wash the puncture site promptly with soap and water This question tests safe and effective response to biohazard exposure in an outpatient setting. The priority framework is immediate decontamination regardless of perceived risk or setting. Washing the puncture site promptly with soap and water (B) is the highest priority because immediate mechanical removal of contaminants is the most effective prevention measure, even with subcutaneous needles. Calling for prophylactic antibiotics (A) is premature and not indicated without proper evaluation; obtaining consent before first aid (C) dangerously delays decontamination; self-monitoring at home (D) bypasses proper occupational health protocols. The decision-making principle is that all sharps injuries require the same immediate response regardless of needle type or medication administered. For any needle-stick injury, remember FIRST: Flush or wash immediately, Inform supervisor, Report to employee health, Seek evaluation promptly, Track with documentation.
6. In an emergency department, an RN sustains a needle-stick to the right forearm when a used hollow-bore needle slips during disposal after starting an intravenous line on a 46-year-old client with unknown infectious status and a history of alcohol use disorder; current medications include none reported. The puncture site is bleeding; the nurse's vital signs are temperature 98.7°F (37.1°C), heart rate 84/min, respiratory rate 14/min, blood pressure 124/80 mm Hg. What should the nurse DOCUMENT immediately post-exposure?
   Answer: Exact circumstances of the exposure, type of device, and whether visible blood was present This question tests safe and effective response to biohazard exposure through proper documentation requirements. The priority framework is accurate documentation of exposure circumstances for risk assessment and treatment decisions. Documenting exact circumstances of the exposure, type of device, and whether visible blood was present (B) is essential because these factors determine post-exposure prophylaxis recommendations and risk stratification. The client's complete history (A) is excessive for initial documentation; assigning fault (C) is inappropriate and unprofessional; minimal documentation (D) fails to capture critical risk assessment data. The decision-making principle is that exposure documentation must capture all factors affecting transmission risk to guide appropriate prophylaxis decisions. For exposure documentation, remember DEVICE: Document immediately, Exact circumstances, Visible blood presence, Injury depth, Client's known infections, Exposure type and time.
7. On a telemetry unit, a nurse sustains a needle-stick from a used intravenous stylet while starting an intravenous line on a 63-year-old client (history: coronary artery disease, hypertension; medications: aspirin and lisinopril). The puncture is on the right palm; the nurse washed with soap and water; vital signs: temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), heart rate 82/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 128/74 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. The client's infectious status is unknown, and timely post-exposure management may be needed. Which assessment finding requires IMMEDIATE follow-up?
   Answer: The nurse reports blood splashed into the mouth during the procedure This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure, identifying critical findings post-needle-stick. The priority framework uses safety protocols to assess risk factors for bloodborne pathogen transmission. The report of blood splashing into the mouth during the procedure requires immediate follow-up as it indicates mucous membrane exposure, heightening infection risk. Details on wound bleeding, anxiety, or client medications are less urgent without high-risk indicators. The decision-making principle is to escalate mucous membrane or high-volume exposures for prompt prophylaxis evaluation. This aligns with occupational health standards for exposure management. A transferable strategy is to prioritize follow-up for non-skin exposures or visible blood involvement in any incident to ensure timely intervention.
8. In a long-term care facility, a 70-year-old resident with known hepatitis B infection (medications: entecavir; history: osteoarthritis) requires a blood glucose check. The nurse is stuck by the used lancet while activating the safety feature; the puncture is on the left index finger with mild bleeding; vital signs: temperature 36.9°C (98.4°F), heart rate 78/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 126/72 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. The nurse reports they are unsure if they ever completed the hepatitis B vaccine series. Which assessment finding requires IMMEDIATE follow-up?
   Answer: The nurse reports no known hepatitis B vaccination or documented immunity This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure, evaluating immunity in hepatitis B cases. The priority framework uses safety protocols to identify prophylaxis needs. The report of no known hepatitis B vaccination or documented immunity requires immediate follow-up to prevent infection through vaccination or immunoglobulin. Solid needle type, tenderness, or glove use are less critical without immunity gaps. The decision-making principle prioritizes unvaccinated status in known infections. This is based on CDC recommendations. A transferable strategy is to assess and address vaccination immediately in exposures to hepatitis B-positive sources.
9. During a home health visit, a 57-year-old client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (medications: albuterol inhaler and prednisone taper) accidentally knocks over a container of blood-tinged sputum onto the nurse's forearm and uniform sleeve while coughing. The nurse has intact skin on the forearm and no visible cuts; vital signs: temperature 36.9°C (98.4°F), heart rate 90/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 134/80 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 96% on room air. The exposure involves potentially infectious body fluid contacting skin and clothing. What is the nurse's FIRST action following exposure?
   Answer: Remove contaminated clothing and wash the exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure, such as body fluid splashes in home health settings. The priority framework emphasizes immediate decontamination and infection control protocols to prevent pathogen absorption through skin. Removing contaminated clothing and washing the exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water is the highest priority to eliminate infectious material from the exposure site. Placing the container in a biohazard bag, calling for antibiotics, or documenting first delays decontamination and increases risk. The decision-making principle is to address personal safety through immediate cleansing before handling environmental or administrative tasks. This follows universal precautions for managing potentially infectious fluids. A transferable strategy is to prioritize self-decontamination in fluid exposures, then secure the area and report, applicable to any clinical or home setting.
10. In a long-term care facility, the nurse experiences a needle-stick while recapping a used insulin needle after giving insulin to a 79-year-old resident with chronic hepatitis C infection (history: cirrhosis; medications: lactulose and spironolactone). The puncture is on the left thumb with visible blood; vital signs: temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), heart rate 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 118/64 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 97% on room air. The exposure poses risk for bloodborne pathogen transmission. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?
    Answer: Clean the puncture site immediately with soap and water, then follow facility exposure protocol for evaluation After a needle-stick injury, the priority is to wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water; this mechanically removes blood and lowers the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission. The correct choice pairs that immediate washing with the facility exposure protocol. Applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer to the puncture site and covering it is not the recommended decontamination for a needle-stick: hand sanitizer does not replace washing with soap and water, and reporting the exposure afterward does not fix that skip. Putting the used needle in a puncture-resistant container is safe handling, but sending the needle to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing does not establish the nurse's exposure risk and delays the needed care. Waiting to begin wound care and post-exposure evaluation until the resident's viral load is reviewed also delays priority care: the exposed nurse must be evaluated immediately, regardless of the resident's most recent result. The only option that combines immediate decontamination with the facility management plan is the one that cleans the site with soap and water first and follows the facility exposure protocol.
11. At a community clinic, a 34-year-old client with opioid use disorder (medications: buprenorphine-naloxone) becomes dizzy during a blood draw. As the nurse stabilizes the client, the nurse is stuck by the used butterfly needle on the forearm; the site has a pinpoint puncture with minimal bleeding. The nurse's vital signs: temperature 36.7°C (98.1°F), heart rate 84/min, respiratory rate 14/min, blood pressure 126/78 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 99% on room air. The client's infectious status is unknown, increasing risk for human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis exposure. What should the nurse DOCUMENT immediately post-exposure?
    Answer: Time and type of exposure, device involved, body site affected, and immediate first aid performed This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure, focusing on documentation after needle-stick incidents. The priority framework involves accurate reporting under safety protocols to facilitate risk assessment and follow-up. Documenting the time and type of exposure, device involved, body site affected, and immediate first aid performed is the highest priority as it provides essential data for evaluating transmission risk. Including only immunization history or client appearance omits critical details; a narrative on emotions or assumptions about infection status is subjective and irrelevant. The decision-making principle is to record objective, factual information to support medical decision-making. This adheres to OSHA standards for incident reporting in healthcare settings. A transferable strategy is to document exposures factually and promptly, avoiding assumptions, to ensure proper evaluation in similar situations.
12. At a community immunization clinic, the nurse accidentally sticks themself with a used intramuscular vaccine needle after administering a vaccine to a 19-year-old client (history: asthma; medications: fluticasone inhaler). The puncture is on the right thumb with minimal bleeding; vital signs: temperature 36.7°C (98.1°F), heart rate 76/min, respiratory rate 14/min, blood pressure 118/68 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 99% on room air. The client's bloodborne pathogen status is unknown. What should the nurse DOCUMENT immediately post-exposure?
    Answer: Time of exposure, type of needle, whether it was used, and the body site of injury This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure, emphasizing accurate post-exposure documentation. The priority framework uses safety protocols for objective reporting to aid in risk stratification. Documenting the time of exposure, type of needle, whether it was used, and the body site of injury is the highest priority for providing key details for follow-up. Statements on client risk appearance, future plans, or minimal details omit essential facts and breach confidentiality. The decision-making principle is to include factual exposure specifics without assumptions. This adheres to immunization clinic safety standards. A transferable strategy is to document device, timing, and injury details factually in all exposures for effective management.
13. In a community clinic, a 45-year-old client with rheumatoid arthritis (medications: methotrexate) has blood drawn. As the nurse removes the needle, the client coughs and blood splashes onto the nurse's cheek and near the eye; the nurse has intact facial skin. The nurse's vital signs: temperature 36.7°C (98.1°F), heart rate 80/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 122/76 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 99% on room air. The exposure involves blood near mucous membranes with potential infection risk. What is the nurse's FIRST action following exposure?
    Answer: Wash the exposed area immediately and flush the eye if any blood contacted the conjunctiva. After a blood splash, the first priority is to remove the blood from skin and mucous membranes before doing anything else. Washing the exposed area immediately and flushing the eye if blood contacted the conjunctiva is the recommended first response. The incident-report option makes reporting the first step and delays the wash, so it is incorrect despite being appropriate later. The disinfectant-wipe option is wrong because it substitutes a chemical disinfectant for prompt mechanical washing and flushing, and can irritate the eye. Asking the client for a list of past bloodborne infections is not the first action;. history may be gathered afterwards, but immediate decontamination is needed regardless. Therefore, wash and flush first, then report and assess risk later.
14. In a dialysis unit, the nurse experiences a blood splash to the nose and mouth while disconnecting a 58-year-old client (history: end-stage kidney disease; medications: erythropoietin). The nurse was wearing a mask but it became displaced; the nurse reports blood contacted the lips; vital signs: temperature 36.6°C (97.9°F), heart rate 90/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 128/80 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. This is a mucous membrane exposure with risk for bloodborne pathogens. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?
    Answer: Flush the mouth and any exposed mucous membranes immediately with water and then report the exposure This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure via mucous membrane splashes in dialysis. The priority framework prioritizes decontamination to prevent pathogen transmission. Flushing the mouth and any exposed mucous membranes immediately with water and then reporting the exposure is the highest priority to remove contaminants effectively. Applying sanitizer, waiting until shift end, or documenting first is inadequate or delayed. The decision-making principle focuses on immediate rinsing for mucous exposures. This aligns with dialysis unit protocols. A transferable strategy is to flush exposed mucous membranes promptly with water, then report, for managing similar high-risk exposures.
15. During a home health visit, a 50-year-old client with hepatitis C infection (medications: sofosbuvir-velpatasvir) has a finger-stick glucose test performed by a family member. The nurse attempts to dispose of the used lancet and is punctured on the thumb; the site bleeds. Vital signs: temperature 36.9°C (98.4°F), heart rate 82/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 130/78 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. This exposure poses risk for bloodborne pathogen transmission. What should the nurse DOCUMENT immediately post-exposure?
    Answer: The circumstances of the exposure, the device involved, the site of injury, and the first aid performed This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure in home health, focusing on documentation. The priority framework uses safety protocols for factual reporting without blame. Documenting the circumstances of the exposure, the device involved, the site of injury, and the first aid performed is the highest priority for comprehensive evaluation. Assumptions about infectivity, blaming others, or minimal plans are inappropriate. The decision-making principle is to document objectively, avoiding judgments. This adheres to home health guidelines. A transferable strategy is to record exposure details and actions factually, without attribution, in community settings.
16. In a dialysis unit, an RN experiences a splash of blood onto non-intact skin (a small, cracked area on the wrist) while disconnecting a 62-year-old client with end-stage kidney disease and hepatitis B infection; current medications include epoetin alfa and sevelamer. The nurse's wrist has a visible crack with mild redness; the nurse's vital signs are temperature 98.9°F (37.2°C), heart rate 86/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 126/82 mm Hg. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?
    Answer: Wash the affected skin immediately with soap and water and report the exposure per protocol This question tests safe and effective response to biohazard exposure on non-intact skin. The priority framework is immediate decontamination of compromised skin barriers exposed to infectious blood. Washing the affected skin immediately with soap and water and reporting the exposure per protocol (B) is the highest priority because non-intact skin provides a portal of entry for hepatitis B, requiring immediate decontamination and evaluation for prophylaxis. Covering with dry dressing and delaying (A) allows pathogen absorption; strong antiseptics and scrubbing (C) damage tissue and increase absorption; waiting for test results (D) delays critical prophylaxis timing. The decision-making principle is that non-intact skin exposures are treated as seriously as percutaneous injuries and require immediate action. For non-intact skin exposure, apply the BROKEN rule: Bloodborne risk is real, Rinse immediately, Open skin needs protection, Keep calm but act fast, Evaluate for prophylaxis, Never delay initial washing.
17. During a home health visit, a 71-year-old client with a chronic venous leg ulcer (history: peripheral vascular disease; medications: clopidogrel) has a dressing change, and a sealed sharps container tips over, spilling used lancets and blood-soiled gauze onto the floor. While picking up items, the nurse sustains a puncture through a glove on the right ring finger; the site is bleeding. Vital signs: temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), heart rate 88/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 138/82 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 97% on room air. The exposure increases risk for bloodborne pathogen transmission. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?
    Answer: Immediately wash the puncture site with soap and water and then report the exposure per agency protocol This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure from spilled sharps in home settings. The priority framework prioritizes personal infection control before environmental cleanup. Washing the puncture site with soap and water immediately and then reporting per protocol is the highest priority to decontaminate and initiate evaluation. Disinfecting the floor, double-gloving to continue, or bandaging and delaying evaluation neglects urgent wound care. The decision-making principle is to address self-safety first in multi-hazard scenarios. This is guided by home health safety guidelines. A transferable strategy is to decontaminate personal injuries immediately, secure the scene, and report, for managing similar home-based exposures.
18. On a surgical unit, an RN sustains a needle-stick to the right middle finger from a suture needle during a dressing change for a 71-year-old client with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; current medications include tiotropium and prednisone. The puncture site has a small amount of bleeding; the nurse's vital signs are temperature 98.6°F (37°C), heart rate 94/min, respiratory rate 20/min, blood pressure 132/78 mm Hg. Which assessment finding requires IMMEDIATE follow-up?
    Answer: The nurse reports the source client's blood was visibly present on the needle at the time of injury This question tests safe and effective response to biohazard exposure by identifying high-risk assessment findings. The priority framework is recognizing exposure characteristics that significantly increase transmission risk. The nurse reporting the source client's blood was visibly present on the needle at the time of injury (B) requires immediate follow-up because visible blood dramatically increases the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission, especially with MRSA colonization. A solid suture needle without blood (A) represents lower risk; mild anxiety (C) and tenderness (D) are expected responses that don't increase transmission risk. The decision-making principle is that visible blood on the contaminating device is the single most important risk factor for pathogen transmission in needle-stick injuries. For risk assessment, remember VISIBLE: Verify blood presence, Identify device type, Solid vs hollow-bore, Immediate action for blood exposure, Blood increases risk exponentially, Look for contamination, Evaluate promptly.
19. While administering subcutaneous enoxaparin to a 68-year-old client on the medical-surgical unit (history: type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease stage 3; medications: insulin glargine and enoxaparin), the nurse sustains a needle-stick from the used safety syringe while disposing of it during a busy medication pass. The puncture is on the right index finger with a small amount of bleeding; vital signs: temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), heart rate 88/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 132/76 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. The source client's infectious status is not yet known, creating risk for bloodborne pathogen exposure. What is the nurse's FIRST action following exposure?
    Answer: Immediately wash the puncture site with soap and water and allow it to bleed gently without squeezing This question tests the safe and effective response to biohazard exposure, specifically needle-stick injuries during medication administration. The priority framework involves immediate infection control and adherence to occupational safety protocols for bloodborne pathogens. The correct action, immediately washing the puncture site with soap and water and allowing it to bleed gently without squeezing, is the highest priority because it minimizes pathogen entry by cleansing the wound and promoting natural expulsion of contaminants. Applying a pressure dressing and continuing the medication pass delays decontamination; notifying the charge nurse and completing a report is important but secondary to first aid; requesting baseline testing is part of follow-up but not the first step. The decision-making principle is to prioritize immediate decontamination to reduce infection risk before administrative actions. This follows OSHA guidelines for post-exposure management, emphasizing rapid self-care. A transferable strategy for similar incidents is to always perform wound cleansing first, then report and seek medical evaluation promptly to ensure timely prophylaxis if needed.
20. On a medical-surgical unit, the nurse sustains a needle-stick from a used subcutaneous injection needle after administering medication to a 38-year-old client (history: depression; medications: sertraline). The puncture is on the right index finger with mild bleeding; vital signs: temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), heart rate 84/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 118/72 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. The client's bloodborne pathogen status is unknown. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?
    Answer: Wash the puncture site immediately with soap and water and then report to occupational health for evaluation The priority after a needlestick exposure is to decontaminate the wound immediately—washing with soap and water—and then report to occupational health so that post-exposure prophylaxis can be offered within the critical time window. Delaying the report until the client's laboratory results confirm an infection risk is unsafe because evaluation and prophylaxis decisions are time-sensitive and should not wait on test results. Applying a tight tourniquet above the puncture site is not recommended for needlestick injuries: it does not reduce infection risk and can cause local tissue damage. Recapping the needle before disposal is contraindicated because recapping is a leading cause of needlestick injuries. Therefore the correct response is to wash the puncture site immediately with soap and water and then report to occupational health for evaluation.

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