skip to main content

Sharps Injury Documentation — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyBehavioural Sciences & EthicsSharps Injury DocumentationORE Part 1

A dental nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a used cartridge needle. First aid has been provided and the injury has been reported to the practice principal. Which entry is most appropriate for the practice accident book?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — The date and circumstances, injury details, immediate actions, relevant source-risk information, and planned follow-up

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

A is correct. SDCEP advises that details of a sharps incident are recorded accurately in the practice accident book. A useful contemporaneous entry records what happened and when, the nature of the injury, first-aid measures, relevant source-patient risk information obtained from clinical records, and the Occupational Health/follow-up arrangements. This supports risk assessment, appropriate post-exposure management and review of preventive procedures. B, C and E are incomplete records and would not allow adequate investigation or follow-up. D wrongly focuses only on the source patient and omits the circumstances and management of the employee's injury. A needlestick injury is not automatically reportable to HSE under RIDDOR; however, all incidents should still be documented, and a BBV disease acquired through the injury may be reportable.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Practice Support Manual, "Occupational exposure management (including sharps)", reviewed May 2026. https://www.psm.sdcep.org.uk/topics/infection-prevention-and-control/occupational-exposure-management-including-sharps/