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by aphillipsrn

On Friday night I was starting an IV on a patient and was not wearing gloves (I know this was stupid), I did NOT get stuck with the needle, but as I was capping the IV some of the blood return got on my fingers. I went and washed my hands as soon as I was done and really didn't think much of it at the time. Then I realized that a few days before I had gotten a paper cut on my right index finger. It was mostly healed and not bleeding. The patient is not known to be positive for anything. The exposure hotline at my hospital says that it is not an exposure unless it is a needlestick or mucous membrane contact.

Anyone have any advice or experiences? I cannot stop worrying!

[irishnurse67]

Re: Worried about blood exposure

Originally Posted by aphillipsrn

On Friday night I was starting an IV on a patient and was not wearing gloves (I know this was stupid), I did NOT get stuck with the needle, but as I was capping the IV some of the blood return got on my fingers. I went and washed my hands as soon as I was done and really didn't think much of it at the time. Then I realized that a few days before I had gotten a paper cut on my right index finger. It was mostly healed and not bleeding. The patient is not known to be positive for anything. The exposure hotline at my hospital says that it is not an exposure unless it is a needlestick or mucous membrane contact.

Anyone have any advice or experiences? I cannot stop worrying!

If it makes you feel any better, a doc at my hospital was stuck w/a needle while putting a central line into a pt w/Hep C and AIDS. She was fine. I think your chances of getting anything are very slim. At any rate, I'll say a prayer for you.

[nurz2be]

Re: Worried about blood exposure

Originally Posted by aphillipsrn

On Friday night I was starting an IV on a patient and was not wearing gloves (I know this was stupid), I did NOT get stuck with the needle, but as I was capping the IV some of the blood return got on my fingers. I went and washed my hands as soon as I was done and really didn't think much of it at the time. Then I realized that a few days before I had gotten a paper cut on my right index finger. It was mostly healed and not bleeding. The patient is not known to be positive for anything. The exposure hotline at my hospital says that it is not an exposure unless it is a needlestick or mucous membrane contact.

Anyone have any advice or experiences? I cannot stop worrying!

Well, hopefully the worry will make you remember to glove up. I am sorry you had to learn this the hard way, but really there is no excuse for not gloving. I can completely understand your worry, but as you were told, the area as stated by you was not an open-wound so I am sure you are fine.

[danissa]

Re: Worried about blood exposure

A lesson on why to always wear gloves in these situations. Always protect yourself. Thats the only advice I can give. But, youv'e learned that already! best of luck to you, this is probably a minimal risk situation, but always be prepared for the times you just dont know.

[aphillipsrn]

Re: Worried about blood exposure

Thank you all for the replies. You are right about the gloves, I think thats why I am beating myself up so bad, I know better! I usually put gloves on as I am walking in the room. I was so busy and wanted to get the IV done, and now I am thinking how stupid it was. Thanks again!

[danissa]

Re: Worried about blood exposure

Originally Posted by aphillipsrn

Thank you all for the replies. You are right about the gloves, I think thats why I am beating myself up so bad, I know better! I usually put gloves on as I am walking in the room. I was so busy and wanted to get the IV done, and now I am thinking how stupid it was. Thanks again!

Ain't hindsight a great thing! I'm sure we have all been there, done that etc! I know that I have. Just look after yourself more in the future...your health is the most important thing to you. hey, we all live and learn, don't we!

[TiredMD]

Re: Worried about blood exposure

Even surgical wounds develop a barrier of epithelium within 24-48hrs. This epithelium is the physical barrier that prevents bacteria and viruses from invading your body from the outside world. If the paper cut was several days ago, and you hadn't reopened it, there is almost no chance that you contracted a disease from the exposure you describe.

Good luck.