While caring for a client, the nurse experiences a needle stick injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Request the risk manager obtain consent for HIV testing from the client: While testing the source client is a crucial part of the post-incident protocol, it is an administrative step that comes after immediate first aid. B. Consent to postexposure treatment with antiretroviral medications: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medical decision made after the injury is assessed. It is not the immediate first action. C. Wash the site of injury with soap and water: The immediate priority following a needle stick is to reduce the viral or bacterial load at the site of entry. Standard precautions and OSHA guidelines dictate washing the area immediately with soap and water (or flushing splashes to the nose/mouth/skin with water) before reporting or seeking treatment. D. Complete an incident report: Documentation is mandatory but is always done after the client and the nurse have been cared for physically.