Biohazard And Needle-Stick Exposure Response Practice Test

While administering subcutaneous enoxaparin to a 68-year-old client on the medical-surgical unit (history: type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease stage 3; medications: insulin glargine and enoxaparin), the nurse sustains a needle-stick from the used safety syringe while disposing of it during a busy medication pass. The puncture is on the right index finger with a small amount of bleeding; vital signs: temperature 36.8°C (98.2°F), heart rate 88/min, respiratory rate 16/min, blood pressure 132/76 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98% on room air. The source client’s infectious status is not yet known, creating risk for bloodborne pathogen exposure. What is the nurse's FIRST action following exposure?

In a long-term care facility, the nurse experiences a needle-stick while recapping a used insulin needle after giving insulin to a 79-year-old resident with chronic hepatitis C infection (history: cirrhosis; medications: lactulose and spironolactone). The puncture is on the left thumb with visible blood; vital signs: temperature 37.0°C (98.6°F), heart rate 92/min, respiratory rate 18/min, blood pressure 118/64 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 97% on room air. The exposure poses risk for bloodborne pathogen transmission. Which intervention is PRIORITY to prevent infection?