CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide sustains an accidental needlestick injury while disposing of a used syringe. What is the FIRST action the aide should take?
- AContinue working and report the injury at the end of the shift
- BWash the area with soap and water immediately
- CImmediately report the injury to a supervisor without washing the site
- DApply a tourniquet above the injury site
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Wash the area with soap and water immediately
The first action after a needlestick injury is to wash the affected area immediately with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Reporting to a supervisor and completing incident documentation should follow promptly after this initial first-aid step.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect; delaying care and reporting increases infection risk and violates facility policy.
- C. Incorrect; washing the wound must occur before or simultaneously with reporting, not skipped.
- D. Incorrect; a tourniquet is not appropriate for a needlestick injury and could cause harm.
Needlestick Injury First Aid
After a needlestick injury, the exposed area should be washed immediately with soap and water, followed by prompt reporting and follow-up care.
- Wash immediately with soap and water
- Report to supervisor right after first aid
- Follow facility exposure control plan for testing and treatment
Memory trick: Wash first, report next — protect yourself before the paperwork.