A phlebotomist receives an accidental needlestick, which of the following actions should be taken first?
Report the needlestick to the supervisor.
Complete the blood draw.
Wash the area with soap and water.
Seek immediate treatment.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Reporting the needlestick to the supervisor is an important step in the post-exposure protocol, but it is not the first action that should be taken. The immediate priority is to address the potential exposure to pathogens by cleansing the wound.
Choice B Reason:
Completing the blood draw is not the appropriate first action after a needlestick injury. The phlebotomist's health and safety take precedence, and the procedure should be paused to address the injury.
Choice C Reason:
Washing the area with soap and water is the first and most critical action to take after an accidental needlestick. This helps to remove any blood or pathogens that may have been introduced to the wound site. It is essential to do this immediately to reduce the risk of infection.
Choice D Reason:
Seeking immediate treatment is a necessary step, but it follows the initial cleansing of the wound. After washing the area, the phlebotomist should then report the incident and seek medical advice to assess the need for further treatment, such as post-exposure prophylaxis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While ensuring that employees receive training regarding workplace hazards is important, it is not the general concept behind standard precautions. Training is a part of the broader safety measures but does not encompass the core idea of standard precautions, which is to prevent infection transmission.
Choice B reason:
Providing information about hazardous chemicals within the environment is related to the Right-to-Know standard, which is part of the Hazard Communication Standard. This is not the main concept of standard precautions, which focus on preventing the spread of infections, particularly in healthcare settings.
Choice C reason:
Assuming that all body fluids are potentially infected with bloodborne pathogens is the essence of standard precautions. This approach dictates that healthcare workers should treat all body fluids as if they are infectious and therefore use appropriate protective measures to prevent exposure and transmission of diseases.
Choice D reason:
Maintaining a workplace free of environmental hazards is a broad occupational safety goal but does not specifically describe the general concept behind standard precautions. Standard precautions are more focused on infection control practices rather than the broader scope of all environmental hazards.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid by the stomach. While it is a critical component in the digestive process, gastrin is not typically sensitive to light, and therefore, does not require protection from light during handling and transportation.
Choice B reason:
Ammonia testing involves measuring the amount of ammonia in the blood, which can indicate liver function and is used in the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia levels are not generally affected by light; thus, special precautions to protect from light are not necessary.
Choice C reason:
Pyruvate is a key intermediate in several metabolic pathways throughout the cell. Pyruvate itself is not considered photosensitive, and standard precautions for handling and transportation are sufficient to maintain its integrity.
Choice D reason:
Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells and is measured to evaluate liver function and to assess jaundice. Bilirubin is known to be photosensitive; exposure to light can cause it to break down, which can affect the accuracy of test results. Therefore, specimens for bilirubin testing must be protected from light during handling and transportation to ensure valid results.
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