A laboratory technician is exposed to a needle stick injury from a patient with
Practice Questions
Q1
A laboratory technician is exposed to a needle stick injury from a patient with hepatitis B. What is the most appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis?
Hepatitis B vaccine
Hepatitis A vaccine
Intravenous immunoglobulin
No treatment necessary
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A laboratory technician is exposed to a needle stick injury from a patient with hepatitis B. What is the most appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis?
Correct Answer: Hepatitis B vaccine
Step 1: Understand that a needle stick injury can expose a person to infections, including hepatitis B.
Step 2: Recognize that hepatitis B is a virus that can be prevented with a vaccine.
Step 3: Identify that post-exposure prophylaxis is a treatment given after exposure to prevent infection.
Step 4: Know that the most appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B is to administer the hepatitis B vaccine.
Step 5: If the person is not already vaccinated, they should receive the vaccine as soon as possible after the injury.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – PEP refers to the treatment administered after potential exposure to a pathogen to prevent infection, in this case, hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Vaccine – The hepatitis B vaccine is a preventive measure that helps the body develop immunity against the hepatitis B virus.
Needle Stick Injury Protocol – Protocols that outline the steps to take following a needle stick injury, including the administration of vaccines and other treatments.
