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Needle-Stick Injury Protocol — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateBehavioural Sciences & Practice ManagementNeedle-Stick Injury ProtocolNDEB AFK

Which of the following describes the correct handling of a needle-stick injury in a dental office?

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

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Correct answer: A — Allow the wound to bleed briefly, wash with soap and water, report the incident, assess the source patient and injured worker, and initiate post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated

Needle-stick injury management protocol: (1) Allow the puncture to bleed briefly (do NOT squeeze — may increase tissue damage); (2) Wash thoroughly with soap and water; (3) Report the incident to the designated office safety officer; (4) Document the incident; (5) Assess the source patient's infectious status (HBV, HCV, HIV — with consent); (6) Assess the injured worker's immunisation status (HBV vaccination/titre); (7) Initiate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if indicated (HIV PEP should begin within 72 hours, ideally within 2 hours); (8) Follow-up testing at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

Reference: CDC – Updated Guidelines for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, 2001