What is the first action a nurse should take after a needle-stick injury?

The first action a nurse should take after a needle-stick injury is to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. This immediate step is essential because it helps to reduce the risk of infection by physically removing blood, infectious agents, or contaminants from the skin. Proper hand hygiene is critical in minimizing the potential transmission of pathogens, including bloodborne viruses like HIV and hepatitis B and C.

While reporting the incident, filling out an incident report, and seeking medical attention are important subsequent actions, they should follow the initial step of cleansing the wound. The prompt washing of the affected area is a key preventive measure and must be prioritized to ensure the best possible outcome after such an incident. The priority is always to address the immediate health concern before moving on to documentation and further evaluation.