Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

After establishing an IV on a critically injured patient and getting stuck with a needle, you should:

1. Continue with the patient care and ignore it

2. Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible

3. Remove the needle and dispose of it immediately

4. Wait until the patient is stable before reporting

The correct answer is: Report the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible

Reporting the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible is crucial for several reasons related to safety, protocol, and legal considerations. First, immediate reporting ensures that appropriate measures can be taken to assess the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, which can occur through needle-stick injuries. This can include recommendations for medical evaluation, post-exposure prophylaxis, and ongoing monitoring. Additionally, timely reporting allows for documentation of the incident, which is important for maintaining workplace safety standards and can contribute to the evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the injury. This may lead to changes in protocols or additional training that can prevent similar incidents in the future. Moreover, reporting as soon as possible adheres to the health facility's protocols regarding occupational hazards. Waiting until the patient is stable could delay necessary medical assessments and interventions, potentially putting the EMT at further risk. Disposing of the needle immediately without reporting it prevents proper documentation and support that might be needed later. In summary, prompt reporting is a standard practice that protects both the healthcare provider and the facility, ensuring that all necessary precautions and follow-up actions are taken.