An interruption during a procedure
RN OSCE practice station

The task

During a procedure at a GP clinic, a used needle punctures your finger through a glove. Simon Blake is seated safely. Describe your immediate actions and responsibilities afterwards. Casey is in the room. The clinic doctor is in another consulting room and can be phoned; exposure advice is available by phone.

What this station tests

• Give puncture first aid immediately and avoid squeezing or caustic agents.
• Occupational assessment is time-sensitive; do not wait for source results.
• Source testing requires its own informed consent and confidentiality.
• Urgent HIV PEP assessment is time sensitive: start as soon as possible when indicated and within 72 hours, without waiting for source results.

Sources for the clinical content

• Healthdirect: Needlestick injuries
• NHMRC: Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare
• ASHM: Australian National PEP Guidelines

An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.

Practise next

• Aseptic dressing of an uncomplicated incision
• A leg wound that has changed at home
• Contamination during a clinic dressing
• Pressure wound care with consent concerns
• Responding to a needlestick during clinic care