Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids via needlestick or sharps injury places healthcare workers at immediate risk for transmission of bloodborne pathogens — primarily HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). A single hollow-bore needlestick from an HIV-positive source carries an average seroconversion risk of ~0.3%; mucous membrane exposure carries ~0.09%. HBV risk reaches 6–30% in unvaccinated workers when the source is HBsAg-positive; post-vaccination risk falls below 1% if HBsAb titre is ≥10 mIU/mL. HCV seroconversion risk is approximately 1.8% per hollow-bore exposure to a viremic source. Delayed or missed reporting is the primary failure point in post-exposure management. Canadian occupational health legislation requires reporting within 2 hours of exposure — this is the standard across provincial frameworks. HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must begin within 72 hours (ideally within 2 hours) to be clinically effective; no benefit is conferred after 72 hours. Top 3 nursing priorities after sharps exposure: 1. Immediate wound decontamination and first aid (before anything else) 2. Report the exposure within 2 hours per occupational health legislation 3. Facilitate rapid source-patient testing and initiate HIV...