A dentist opens the cap of a local anesthetic carpule before contacting the patient and sustains a needlestick injury. What is the most appropriate next step?

Correct answer: C. Replace the needle, carpule, and gloves, wash the injury site, and proceed after proper protocol

• A. An emergency department visit is indicated for needlestick injuries involving patient blood/body fluids. Since there was no patient contact, this level of response is not warranted — but proper incident reporting should still occur.
• B. Calling 911 is not indicated for this type of occupational exposure; it is an internal safety/infection control matter.
• C. CORRECT. Since the needlestick occurred before patient contact, there is no exposure to patient blood or body fluids. The correct response is to: (1) remove the contaminated setup, (2) wash the puncture site with soap and water, (3) replace the needle, carpule, syringe, and gloves with sterile items, and (4) proceed with the appointment after following office exposure protocol.
• D. Alcohol gel alone is insufficient for a needlestick wound — the site must be washed with soap and water. Simply continuing without addressing the injury is not correct.