The nurse is caring for a client with rheumatoid arthritis one day after shoulder surgery. What would prompt the nurse to call the provider immediately?

Choice A reason: Flushing the exposed skin with water is the first action that the nurse should take if they are stuck by a needle. This is to reduce the amount of blood or body fluid that may have entered the wound and to prevent infection. The nurse should flush the skin for at least 15 minutes and avoid using soap, antiseptic, or bleach as they may damage the skin or increase the risk of infection.

Choice B reason: Reporting the exposure is the second action that the nurse should take after flushing the exposed skin with water. This is to inform the supervisor, the occupational health department, or the infection control team about the incident and to initiate the postexposure protocol. The nurse should provide the details of the exposure, such as the type and source of the needle, the depth and location of the wound, and the status of the source patient.

Choice C reason: Seeking medical attention is the third action that the nurse should take after reporting the exposure. This is to receive a medical evaluation and treatment, such as testing, prophylaxis, counseling, and followup. The nurse should consult a health care provider as soon as possible and follow the recommendations for preventing or treating any potential infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV.

Choice D reason: Completing an incident report is the last action that the nurse should take after seeking medical attention. This is to document the exposure and the actions taken and to identify the causes and the preventive measures for the future. The nurse should fill out the incident report form accurately and objectively and submit it to the appropriate authority. The incident report is not a part of the client's record and should not be mentioned in the client's chart.

Choice A reason: Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Contaminated equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, or needles, should be disposed of in designated containers or bags to prevent exposure or injury to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice B reason: Discarding used syringes into appropriate containers is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Used syringes, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be discarded into punctureresistant, leakproof, and labeled containers to prevent needlestick injuries or exposure to others. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice C reason: Changing soiled linens is an important infectioncontrol measure, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care. Soiled linens, especially those that contain blood or body fluids, should be changed and handled with gloves and minimal agitation to prevent contamination or aerosolization of pathogens. However, this measure does not eliminate the risk of transmission of pathogens from the hands of the health care worker to the client or the environment.

Choice D reason: Performing hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during client care, because it reduces the number of microorganisms on the hands of the health care worker, which are the most common source and mode of transmission of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after contact with the client, after contact with potentially infectious materials, after removing gloves, and before and after performing invasive procedures. Hand hygiene can be performed by washing with soap and water or using alcoholbased hand rubs.