Sharp Safety and Exposure

A hollow-bore needle slips while a nurse is transferring blood, leaving only a pinpoint injury. The mark may be almost invisible, but the exposure is time-sensitive. The first priority is not to estimate the source patient's infection risk or finish the medication pass; it is to decontaminate the site, report the event, and obtain an urgent exposure evaluation. Sharps injuries and blood or body-fluid splashes can expose health care workers to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or HIV. The response depends on the route of exposure, the device and fluid involved, the source patient's testing, and the worker's hepatitis B vaccination history. A negative baseline test does not erase a recent exposure, and the absence of symptoms does not make the event safe to ignore. For exam questions and practice, prioritize the action that removes contamination fastest, protects the exposed person, and starts the time-dependent treatment pathway. The RN retains assessment, clinical judgment, reporting, education, and escalation responsibilities.