Needlestick injury
Needlestick injury
A Needlestick injury is a percutaneous piercing wound typically set in motion by a needle point, but possibly also by other sharp instruments or objects. Commonly encountered by people handling needles in the medical setting, these injuries are an occupational hazard in the field of healthcare.
Pronunciation
- UK: /ˈniːd(ə)lstɪk ˈɪndʒəri/
- US: /ˈnidlˌstik ˈinjəri/
Etymology
The term "needlestick injury" is derived from the words "needle", which comes from the Old English nǣdl, and "stick", which comes from the Old English stician, meaning to pierce. The term "injury" comes from the Latin injuria meaning a wrong or injustice.
Related Terms
- Sharps injury: A broader category of injury, which includes needlestick injuries, caused by sharp medical instruments.
- Bloodborne diseases: Diseases that can be transmitted through needlestick injuries, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
- Universal precautions: A set of safety measures designed to prevent transmission of bloodborne diseases, including those potentially transmitted by needlestick injuries.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis: Treatment administered after a needlestick injury to prevent infection.
Prevention
Prevention of needlestick injuries can be achieved through proper handling and disposal of needles and other sharp objects, use of safety devices on needles, and adherence to universal precautions.
Treatment
Treatment of a needlestick injury involves immediate washing of the wound with soap and water, followed by medical evaluation and possible post-exposure prophylaxis.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Needlestick injury
- Wikipedia's article - Needlestick injury
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