Infection control principles · USMLE Step 1

A nurse recaps a used needle and accidentally sustains a finger-stick injury. What is the most important immediate step?

  1. Report the injury to the supervisor
  2. Wash the wound with soap and water
  3. Start prophylactic antibiotics
  4. Apply a sterile bandage immediately
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Wash the wound with soap and water

Immediate washing of the wound reduces pathogen load and infection risk. Reporting and follow-up testing occur after initial wound care.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 20

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