NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What is the first action a phlebotomist should take if stuck with a used needle?

1. Flush the area with running water

2. Report the incident

3. Apply pressure and cover the wound

4. Seek medical attention

The correct answer is: Flush the area with running water

The correct response involves taking immediate, appropriate action to minimize the potential harm from a needle stick injury. The first step after a phlebotomist is punctured by a used needle should be to flush the area with running water. This action helps to remove any blood and contaminants from the skin surface, which can reduce the risk of infection. The recommended technique commonly advocated in medical protocols is to wash the puncture site thoroughly with soap and water for at least 30 seconds to ensure that any pathogens are removed, significantly lowering the chance of transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV or Hepatitis. Other actions, such as reporting the incident or seeking medical attention, are indeed critical components of the overall response but should follow the immediate cleaning of the wound. Applying pressure and covering the wound also serves a purpose in managing any bleeding, but the priority is to clean the puncture site first. By flushing the area as a first response, the phlebotomist addresses potentially harmful exposure right away.