blood exposure from hiv patient

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Specializes in Med-Surg Tele.

Hi guys 2nd year RN here just wanna ask what are the chances of getting HIV from a patient? In my case, i received a superficial scratch when the patient was being ocmbative and pulling out his IV lines, so blood was there. But not sure if my scratch was in contact. So, the clinic said I have to take the medication regimen for a month, blurg. But they said its a small chance health care workers get it, so what are your experiences? Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

I know they say that there's a slim chance that a healthcare worker will acquire an infection from a patient, but the chance is still there. The best person to talk to would be your local infection control nurse. Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Adult Psych, Peds HH.

Did you have the scratch beforehand? Or did the patient scratch you? Was the patient bleeding anywhere when they came in contact with your scratch? If no blood made contact with your scratch then I wouldn't worry too much.

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Specializes in Clinical, nursing home, hosp - ICU,.

Our policy is the following:

1. Test patient

2. Test staff person exposed

3. Offer prophylaxis to staff person

I would be more concerned about Hepatitis.

What did you do post exposure - cleanzing techniques ect.

The risk is low but still very possible. Make sure that everything is documented and you keep accurate records. BTW this is now a Workers Compensation claim.

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Specializes in Med-Surg Tele.

Well I didnt have the scratch beforehand I know that much, but as far as him scratching me or any blood coming into contact I dont know since I was trying to calm him down and not making him pull his ETT. I didnt see any blood stain on my uniform so if anything, probably not.

I filled out an incident report, went to the clinic, and now taking Kuletra and Tuveda? Also, I got another question, I am now taking these meds, assuming I didnt contract it, what am I gonna expect S/S wise from these meds? I know diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, but diarrhea is the main S/S so far lol.

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Specializes in Med-Surg Tele.

Also, right after I noticed the scratch, I washed the site with soap and water ASAP, and took a whole bottle of Hibiclens to wash the site. lol

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I think you're risk is pretty small. I think diarrhea is the most common complaint. The ARVs have a wide range of possible side effects. I wish you the best, and I hope all comes back ok. Remember, the sooner you start the regimen the more effective it is at prevention.

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Specializes in ED Nursing, Critical Care Nursing.

The risk is likely small, but as others have said the risk is still there. I think the main issue with the anti-retroviral therapy will be the side effects of the drugs. But, for your own peace of mind perhaps that's a small price to pay. Best of luck.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg, ED, Psych.

Slim to none.

I read this a while back in a nursing book about infections.

It went something sort of like this.

If a drop of Hepatitis blood was in a large swimming pool the whole pool would test positive for hepatitis

If a drop of HIV blood was in a large swimming ppol the entire pool would test negative for HIV.

HIV is very very unstable outside of the human body.

The chances of becoming infected with HIV from a scratch from an HIV positive patient is slim to none.

Just to be safe ask your primary care provider for a rapid HIV test....and retest in 6-8 weeks.

Hugs

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Specializes in Med-Surg Tele.

thanks guys! I am just kinda scared because this is my first time doing it... lol, not like I wanna do it again but, blurg. thanks! :)

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Specializes in LTAC, Telemetry, Thoracic Surgery, ED.

I know you had a scratch that was bleeding but what blood or bodily fluids of THEIRS came in contact with your open wounds? If they were not bleeding and it was only your blood then in my facility it would not even be considered an exposure. If their actual blood came in contact with your actual open exposed wound I think it's like 1 in 300.

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The odds of you contracting HIV from a needle stick are very slim. (Approximately 0.1-0.3%). So, the odds from your interaction is likely even less.

Take the protocol if it will make you feel better, but be aware the side effects can be awful. I've had to take it. Make sure you get a hold of an anti-emetic pronto. :p

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