NEEDLESTICK INJURY Meaning and
Definition
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A needlestick injury refers to an accidental puncture or injury caused by a sharp object, usually a needle, that penetrates the skin. It commonly occurs in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, but can also happen in other environments involving the use of needles or sharps.
The risk of needlestick injuries arises when sharp objects, such as needles or syringes, are mishandled, disposed of improperly, or encounter unexpected resistance during use. These injuries can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly bloodborne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Typically, needlestick injuries are characterized by the inadvertent penetration of the skin, resulting in wounds that may be superficial or deep depending on the force and depth of the object involved. They often cause pain, bruising, bleeding, and sometimes swelling around the site of injury. In case of accidental exposure to potentially infected blood or bodily fluids, immediate medical attention is crucial to minimize the risk of transmission.
Prevention of needlestick injuries involves implementing proper safety measures, such as the use of safer needle devices, ensuring proper disposal of sharps, and providing education and training on safe handling techniques. In healthcare settings, protocols for handling needlestick injuries usually include reporting incidents, notifying supervisors, and seeking appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. These measures aim to safeguard the health and well-being of individuals at risk of needlestick injuries.
Common Misspellings for NEEDLESTICK INJURY
- beedlestick injury
- meedlestick injury
- jeedlestick injury
- heedlestick injury
- nwedlestick injury
- nsedlestick injury
- ndedlestick injury
- nredlestick injury
- n4edlestick injury
- n3edlestick injury
- newdlestick injury
- nesdlestick injury
- neddlestick injury
- nerdlestick injury
- ne4dlestick injury
- ne3dlestick injury
- neeslestick injury
- neexlestick injury
- neeclestick injury
- neeflestick injury
Etymology of NEEDLESTICK INJURY
The word "needlestick injury" is a compound noun composed of two words: "needle" and "stick".
The word "needle" dates back to the Old English period, derived from the Old English word "nǣdl", which can be traced to the Proto-Germanic word "nēdlą". "Needle" refers to a small, slender, pointed instrument used for sewing or medical purposes.
The word "stick" comes from the Old English word "sticca", which has roots in Proto-Germanic. Initially, it referred to a piece of wood, later expanding in meaning to include any slender pointed object.
Therefore, the term "needlestick" combines these two words to describe an injury caused by the accidental puncture or prick of the skin with a needle or similar sharp device, typically associated with medical procedures.
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