Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 97 of 2368
A nursing student sustains a needlestick on the finger from a used needle. Which action should the student take first?
- Apply direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes
- Finish the shift and report the injury afterward
- Wash the puncture wound with soap and water for 15 minutes
- Flush the wound with water for 1 minute
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Correct answer: Wash the puncture wound with soap and water for 15 minutes
Puncture wounds are washed with soap and water for 15 minutes, then reported and medically evaluated.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Safety: Preventing Sharps Injuries and Blood-Borne Pathogen Exposure. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026