Possible Needlestick but unsure?

Published

Hello everyone, I am a CNA who is working on getting my RN license. Recently, I was floated to the ED to help out. The charge nurse wanted me to help prep beds as they transfer/discharge patients throughout the day. After a young patient was transferred, I cleaned the bed and side table. The RN of that patient left many unused items such as IV start kits, unopened needles for IV start, syringe caps etc. I picked each item one by one and threw them all in the same trash.

Once I finished, i took off my gloves and noticed a red dot on my hand near the palm. I was sure that there was not any open needles on the side table but I couldn't help but think i was possibly stuck. I told my co-worker, also a CNA, and we dumped the trash can and rechecked. Again there were no needles. She said don't worry but I cant help but think what if I was pricked?

I did not notify charge nurse or anyone else because I didnt think i was pricked but I feel doubtful.

The red dot on my hand could have been from cleaning another patients bed, or could have been from anywhere else. I just didnt notice until at that moment. I didnt feel any pain or anything, but what if i was pricked? I mean, blood is supposed to leak when you get pricked but theres no blood leaking or scab formation...

It has been 3 days afterwards. The red dot is still there. its blanchable when i squeeze the skin around it. No scab. maybe I'm just nervous for no reason and it is really nothing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

First of all, never throw needles in the trash!!!! They go in a sharps container.

Even unopened ones.

If you ever think you've gotten pricked by a needle, always notify your

supervisor right away.

Why in the world would you still have a red dot three days later?

Is this a real post?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yea, once we dumped the trash to recheck for any stray needles, i placed all the unopened ones and syringe caps in the sharps container.

Im not sure about why the red dot hasn't healed. its still on my hand.

I don't mean to troll, just looking for any other's opinion.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.

If there were no open/used sharps present I think you're ok but if you're at all concerned about a possible needlestick definitely report to risk management and get tested for HIV, hep B, hep C. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Okay. Yeah, again, always let your supervisor know of any possible

needle sticks. I have never myself had to report a needle stick, knock

on wood, BUT... I believe that your workplace will then test you for

various things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

If you are concerned, please pursue this either through Employee Health Services or your personal MD.

To ask for medical advice is against the Terms of Service.

Thank you, and I wish you well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion