Dirty needle stick

Published

I'm a second year student and we had a patient that was getting riled up. The RT was doing a blood gas but was having issues because the patient kept moving. I held the arm down for the RT and as she was done the patient jerked up and the needle pricked my hand. I immediately washed the site but I'm so nervous and upset. The patients chart stated the pt has cirrhosis and a bowel blockage but recently when into septic shock. It didn't say anything about Hiv or Hep

I went to the the health nurse and got my blood tested but they told me it would be awhile before I would know anything. I guess my question is because the patient was septic is there a possibly I could develop sepsis too?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I'm an ICU COB, not an occupational health nurse, but it has been my personal experience that needle sticks rarely amount to anything. Part of the needle stick protocol in our hospital is testing the patient for HIV and hepatitis as soon as a healthcare worker gets an exposure (needle stick, stuck with a used sharp or in one case of which I have personal knowledge, a face full of liquid stool). Then the person who is stuck is offered the choice of starting HIV treatment immediately in advance of getting the patient's result. Please check the policy in your facility to make sure that you're dotted all your i's and crossed all yours t's.

My husband got stuck with a dirty needle on a patient with active hepatitis, and he's been fine in the 17 years since the needle stick. I've been stuck numerous times and they've turned out OK. So my guess is that your experience will turn out OK as well. Please let us know, though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I have been stuck by a needle, and had bloody urine get in my eye. Each time I was offered preventative HIV treatment and the pt was tested for Hep B and C and HIV. I have never had any issues. I did not take treatment as the results came back quickly that the pt was negative for blood borne pathogens.

You will not get sepsis from the needlestick. It is a very rare to get anything from a needle stick.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

You won't get sepsis. Your immune system would be all over it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion