What steps should be taken after a needle-stick exposure?

• A. Wash, report, seek testing, notify owner
• B. Wait and see without reporting
• C. Take pain medication only
• D. Dispose the needle and continue working

Answer: (A)

Immediately after a needle-stick exposure, the priority is to minimize infection risk and start medical evaluation. Begin by washing the exposed area with soap and running water right away. If the exposure involved the eyes or mucous membranes, flush thoroughly with clean water or saline. Then report the incident to your supervisor and follow your facility’s policy, documenting all details of the exposure. Seek medical evaluation and testing as soon as possible, including baseline tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, with follow-up testing as recommended, and consider post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated. Also notify the owner or responsible party per your facility’s procedures so proper records and infection-control actions can be taken. The other options miss essential steps like decontamination, reporting, and medical assessment, which are crucial for safety and health.