A second year nursing student has just suffered a needlestick while working with a patient that is positive for AIDS. Which of the following is the most significant action that the nursing student should take?

Azidothymidine (AZT) treatment is the most critical intervention and should be started within 72 hours after exposure. It is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS by reducing the replication of the virus. After exposure, prophylactic treatment with 2 or 3 antiretroviral medications is continued for 4 weeks. Pentamidine is an antimicrobial medication given to prevent and treat pneumocystis pneumonia. Talking to a social worker or getting counseling may be appropriate later.