This is the first thing you should do if you are accidentally stuck with a used needle.

This is the first thing you should do if you are accidentally stuck with a used needle.

• A. Wash with soap and water
• B. Apply a bandaid
• C. Rinse with mouthwash
• D. Use hand sanitizer

Answer: (A)

Washing with soap and water right away is the safest first action after a needle-stick. Physical cleaning with soap and running water removes as much of the contaminant as possible and helps reduce the risk of infection. Other options don’t clean the wound effectively or can irritate tissue: mouthwash isn’t sterile for a wound and can cause irritation, hand sanitizer is alcohol-based and not appropriate for open skin, and applying a bandaid alone doesn’t remove contaminants and should come after cleaning. After washing, cover with a clean bandage and seek appropriate medical guidance.

Washing with soap and water right away is the safest first action after a needle-stick. Physical cleaning with soap and running water removes as much of the contaminant as possible and helps reduce the risk of infection. Other options don’t clean the wound effectively or can irritate tissue: mouthwash isn’t sterile for a wound and can cause irritation, hand sanitizer is alcohol-based and not appropriate for open skin, and applying a bandaid alone doesn’t remove contaminants and should come after cleaning. After washing, cover with a clean bandage and seek appropriate medical guidance.