A medical assistant accidentally sustains a needlestick from a used needle after drawing blood from a patient with unknown HIV status. After washing the wound, what is the NEXT immediate step per standard post-exposure protocol?
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AWait 72 hours for the patient's HIV test results before taking any further action
BReport the exposure to the supervisor/employer and seek evaluation for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) without delay
CSelf-administer an over-the-counter antiretroviral from the office supply cabinet
DDocument the incident in the patient's chart and complete an OSHA 300 log entry before leaving the building
✓ Correct answer: B. Report the exposure to the supervisor/employer and seek evaluation for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) without delayOSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards and CDC guidelines require immediate reporting to the employer and prompt medical evaluation for PEP, ideally within 2 hours of exposure, because PEP efficacy decreases significantly with delay beyond 72 hours.
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