Ethics & Law · patient case question
In Scenario 4, what is the first action after the needlestick?
Patient case: Ethics and Occupational Exposure
demo: Multiple scenarios in one practice day
chief: Ethical and occupational issues arising during clinic
history: Scenario 1: a patient in pain demands extraction of two restorable teeth; the dentist believes root canal therapy is the better option. Scenario 2: a different patient with a periapical lesion refuses the recommended extraction. Scenario 3: an HIV-positive patient presents with a parulis on the buccal gingiva of #29. Scenario 4: the dentist sustains a needlestick from a used anesthetic needle.
meds: Not applicable
findings: See individual scenarios.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Wash the wound immediately with soap and water
- A. PEP may follow, but it comes after wound care and risk assessment, not before.
- B. Caustic agents damage tissue and do not reduce transmission risk.
- C. Correct. Immediate washing with soap and water is the first step, followed by reporting to the designated infection control officer, source patient evaluation, baseline testing, and prophylaxis if indicated.
- D. The dental board is not the reporting pathway for an occupational exposure.