A nurse is asked by the unit manager to provide input for the performance appraisal of an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Changing the dressing is an action that comes after assessing and selecting the appropriate dressing. Before changing the dressing, the nurse needs to gather information and make decisions about the most suitable type of dressing based on the characteristics of the wound.

B. Selecting the appropriate dressing is an essential step, but before doing so, the nurse should review available dressing types to make an informed decision about which dressing will best meet the needs of the wound. This involves considering factors such as the wound's characteristics, exudate level, and the overall condition of the client.

C. Reviewing available dressing types is the first step because it allows the nurse to assess the wound, gather information about the client's condition, and make an informed decision about the most appropriate dressing. This step ensures that the chosen dressing aligns with the wound's characteristics and promotes optimal healing.

D. Documenting the dressing change is an important step in the process, but it typically occurs after the dressing change has been completed. Documentation is crucial for tracking the client's progress, ensuring continuity of care, and providing a record for other healthcare team members.

A. Complete an incident report.

Reporting a needlestick injury through an incident report is crucial. It documents the details of the incident, which is important for the nurse's safety and for initiating appropriate follow-up actions.

B. Receive a hepatitis C immunization:

There is no specific hepatitis C vaccine available. While there are vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, there is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Seeking post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up is more relevant in this case.

C. Notify the health department:

Notifying the health department might be necessary in some cases, but the immediate action for the nurse is to report the incident through an incident report within the facility. This allows for prompt internal investigation and necessary measures.

D. Start prophylactic antibiotic therapy:

Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not the standard protocol for preventing hepatitis C transmission after a needlestick injury. Antiviral medications might be considered in certain cases for post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis C, but this decision should be made after consulting with a healthcare provider or infectious disease specialist based on the specific circumstances of the exposure. Reporting the incident remains the immediate priority.