What is the immediate action required when exposed to a needle stick?

When a healthcare worker is exposed to a needle stick injury, washing the exposed area is the immediate action required. This is crucial because it helps to reduce the risk of infection. Washing the area thoroughly with soap and water can help flush out any potential pathogens that may have entered the skin.

Immediate washing is an important first step in the post-exposure protocol to mitigate the risk of bloodborne infections, as it can significantly decrease the likelihood of any potentially harmful substances entering the body. After this initial washing, it is also essential to follow up with the proper reporting procedures and medical evaluations, but the immediate response to washing the exposed area takes precedence in the moment.