I had a patient with Hepatitis C and as I was taking care of her, I was leaning against the siderails of her bed. When I exited the room, I applied sanitizer on my elbows and felt a slight sting on my forearm near my elbow. I'm wondering if there's a cut somewhere over there, but all I felt was a bump. Is it possible that I was exposed to hep c from this?
I dont remember there being any blood on the siderails, and my patient had arm weakness, so I doubt she would be able to reach that far on the siderails.
Also, how soon is it to test for hep c after exposure?
Would you believe I had a patient recently vomit coffee-grounds emesis all over my hands, and he's hep C positive, AND I didn't have a complete nervous breakdown after convincing myself that I was going to die of cirrhosis right then and there?! I had two open hangnails for Odin's sake!
OP, take a deep breath, and maybe some alazopram. You have got to stop this constant panic about contracting hepatitis, or you will eventually drive yourself nuts. (And seriously, why are you sanitizing your elbows??) Stop freaking out about the super-low-risk diseases you will most likely never contract. Why aren't you all up in arms about the MRSA you probably touched while looking at produce in the grocery store? Or the CRE/VRE you brushed against while in line at the DMV?
Why do people with super-active imaginations and uncontrolled panic about germs insist on working in the hospital? Seriously, I have coworkers who double glove & gown when caring for HIV patients. Makes me want to scream.
I say it's all about the shoe covers. Really, who knows WHAT you are stepping in when you walk down the halls, or into a patient's room? Just because the floor isn't wet doesn't mean it isn't festering with enough germs to allow them to climb up your legs---nay, FLY up onto your legs---and from there, it's just a cake walk to your mouth and nose.
This is reminding me of the repeat poster from (I think) last year with all of the unusual questions about sharps and contamination.
Honestly, with all of the stuff we cram in our brains in such a short amount of time, we know the common sense but sometimes fear overrides it. OP, I genuinely believe if these fears persist, you might try talking to someone about this. Start with infection control, and if you still can't get these fears out of your mind, consider counseling.
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NOADLS
832 Posts
Whew... I was about to hit my head against a wall a few times, but decided against it because it got me thinking...