After a nursing student accidentally stuck herself with a needle, what is the best course of action?

The best course of action after a nursing student accidentally sticks herself with a needle is to immediately test both the patient and the student for HIV. This approach is critical because it allows for the prompt assessment of possible exposure to HIV and facilitates the timely initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if indicated.

Testing the source patient is essential to determine if there is a risk of HIV transmission. If the patient is HIV-positive, the student can be started on PEP within the recommended timeframe, significantly reducing the risk of infection. On the other hand, if the source patient is negative, the anxiety and unnecessary treatment for the student can be alleviated.

The immediate testing for HIV is a proactive measure that aligns with exposure protocols, ensuring the health and safety of the student as well as promoting a prompt response to potential exposure. In contrast, waiting for symptoms to develop or performing specific assays like a Western blot or freezing the student's blood does not adequately address the urgency of the situation or facilitate preventive measures.