HIV Prophylaxis

Question 1

List 5 steps in the protocol that Dr Singh should follow immediately after the needlestick injury by the nurse who took blood from Mr Moodley [5]

Answer 1

− Encourage bleeding, wash site with soap & water

• Request consent to test patient for HIV (provide pre and post-test counseling)
• Test pt’s blood for HIV, Hep B and C

− Take blood from nurse for HIV and Hep B (after pre test counselling).

− If pt HIV positive (and nurse negative), start nurse on post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within an hour

− Advise nurse on side effects of drugs for PEP

− Complete injury on duty forms

− Discuss safe sex (condoms) until 12 week results

− Debrief nurse on what happened, give supportive counselling if needed

Question 2

Is exposure to HIV positive pt. sputum justification for PEP?

Answer 2

No. Exposure to relatively non-infectious mediums doesn’t warrant PEP