Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
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?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct action for the nurse to take first is to wash the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water. This is important to reduce the risk of infection and minimize any potential harm caused by the needle stick injury. Washing the area helps to remove any contaminants and reduce the chances of infection. Going to employee health services or reporting the incident can be done after washing the area to address any further necessary actions. Completing an incident report and reporting to the charge nurse are important steps but should follow immediate washing of the puncture site to prioritize the nurse's health and safety.