Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

After a needlestick injury at work, what is the next appropriate step for the healthcare worker?

1. Order an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test as soon as possible

2. Recommend a tetanus booster in 1 week

3. Offer the patient hepatitis B immunoglobulin

4. Order a chest x-ray

The correct answer is: Order an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test as soon as possible

The correct response underscores the importance of immediate and appropriate medical intervention following a needlestick injury, particularly with regard to the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. In cases of needlestick injuries, it is critical to promptly assess the exposure to viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Ordering an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test as soon as possible is crucial because it allows for the detection of antibodies against these viruses. Early testing can help determine if the healthcare worker has been exposed to any infectious agents, facilitating timely medical decisions regarding potential post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or further monitoring. This proactive approach is essential to reduce the likelihood of infection and to implement suitable follow-up measures. Other options, while they may appear relevant, do not address the immediate assessment of exposure effectively. For instance, recommending a tetanus booster does not directly correspond to the concerns of bloodborne pathogen exposure. Offering hepatitis B immunoglobulin is relevant if the source patient is known to be hepatitis B positive, but it would typically follow an assessment of risk and immunization status rather than be the immediate next step. Ordering a chest x-ray is generally irrelevant in the context of a needlestick injury, as it does not pert