West Coast EMT Block One Exam

What should you do after accidentally sticking yourself with a contaminated lancet?

1. Get immunized against hepatitis as soon as possible

2. Report the incident to your supervisor after the call

3. Discontinue patient care and seek medical attention

4. Immerse your wound in an alcohol-based solution

The correct answer is: Report the incident to your supervisor after the call

After accidentally sticking yourself with a contaminated lancet, the appropriate course of action is to report the incident to your supervisor after ensuring the safety of the situation and the patient. This allows for proper follow-up and documentation of the exposure, which is crucial for managing potential infection risks and facilitating any necessary medical interventions. Reporting to a supervisor ensures that the incident is recorded and that the appropriate protocols are followed. This may include notifying occupational health services, ensuring that any necessary blood tests are conducted, and assessing the risk of transmission of infections such as hepatitis or HIV. It is important to take these steps to mitigate risks and seek further medical advice as required. While seeking medical attention is ultimately necessary, especially if the wound is significant or if there is a concern about infection, the immediate action of reporting to a supervisor plays a critical role in the overall response to the incident.