If a nurse is exposed to an illness, the following steps should be taken:
- Immediate Action: Clean the affected area immediately. For needlestick injuries, this means washing the area with soap and water. - Report: Inform the supervisor or occupational health department immediately. - Documentation: Complete an exposure incident report to document the details of the exposure. - Medical Evaluation: Seek medical evaluation and follow-up care, which may include post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for certain infections.
