After a needlestick injury, which step should NOT be taken?

Wash area immediately with soap and water
Squeeze the puncture site to make it bleed
Consider post-exposure prophylaxis
Pursue blood tests for both yourself and the patient

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Squeeze the puncture site to make it bleed

Squeezing (milking) the puncture site reopens the wound and creates a portal for additional contamination u2014 any virus that entered the bloodstream is already systemic. Correct steps: wash immediately, notify supervisor, blood test both parties, consider antiretroviral PEP within 72 hours.

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After a needlestick injury, which step should NOT be taken?

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