Infection Control · single question
A dentist accidentally sticks their finger with a needle after anesthetizing a patient. What is the FIRST immediate action?
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Correct answer: A. Wash the wound with soap and water immediately
After needlestick: immediate first action = wash wound with soap and water for ≥15 minutes (mechanical decontamination). Then report, assess patient status, initiate PEP if indicated (within 72 hours for HIV).
- A. CORRECT. Lavarse las manos — wash the wound immediately with soap and water. First step per OSHA/CDC guidelines.
- B. PEP must start within 72 hours but is NOT the very first action — wash first.
- C. Testing the patient is part of post-exposure protocol, not the immediate first step.
- D. Reporting is important but is NOT the immediate first action — wound decontamination comes first.
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