What should an LVN do immediately following a needle stick injury?

When an LVN experiences a needle stick injury, the immediate priority is to ensure safety and follow established protocols for exposure incidents. Reporting the incident promptly is critical as it initiates the process for managing the exposure properly. This includes accessing post-exposure prophylaxis if necessary, ensuring appropriate medical evaluation, and determining if further testing is needed for bloodborne pathogens.

Following protocol typically involves notifying a supervisor or designated infection control personnel, allowing for a thorough assessment of the situation, including the type of needle, the circumstances surrounding the injury, and the potential for exposure to infectious materials. This immediate reporting helps safeguard the health of the LVN and facilitates any necessary follow-up care.

While cleaning the wound is essential, it should be done in conjunction with reporting and following protocol rather than as a standalone first action. Consulting with a physician might occur as part of the follow-up, but immediate reporting is vital to manage the situation appropriately. Documenting the incident in the patient's chart is important for record-keeping but is not as immediate as the steps necessary to ensure the LVN's health and safety following the injury.