Question

question 2 of 5
a nurse has sustained a puncture wound on the hand from a scalpel blade that was left on a used procedure tray. what is the first action by the nurse?

wash the area with soap and water

fill out a risk management form

go to employee health for testing

find out who left the scalpel blade on the procedure tray

submit answer
exit quiz

Explanation:

When a nurse has a puncture wound from a scalpel blade (a sharp object that may be contaminated), the first step is to clean the area to reduce the risk of infection. Washing with soap and water is a basic and immediate first - aid measure. Filling out a form (risk management form) is an administrative step that comes after initial treatment. Going for testing (employee health) is a follow - up action. Finding out who left the blade is an investigation step which is not the first priority compared to treating the wound.

Answer:

wash the area with soap and water