My patient had HIV and the flu but wore mask incorrectly

[ssoxford]

So the other day I had a patient with hiv who was there for the flu. He was on droplet precautions but for some reason I was told to wear an n95 mask. He has no history of tb. Why would I need an n95 mask? Another concern is I realized I was wearing the mask wrong the first time I went into see him to do his assessment. The mask didn't cover over my mouth...stupid me but i hadn't wore one before. I can't get hiv through droplets from him having the flu can I? I know I could be at risk for the flu for not wearing the mask right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm very paranoid about this now...thank you!

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

We put shingles (as well as flu and poss TB) pt on airborne and b/c we have so few droplet cases on my floor, we get to wear the space suit LOL. I don't understand how they are cheaper than fit testing all of us.

[ssoxford]

Thank you for your comments. I honestly knew that you can't get it droplet but I'm a new nurse and tend to worry about everything and since I made a mistake with the mask I just got paranoid about the flu and hiv. I brushed up on my education too. I appreciate your advice!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

So.. you were "told" to wear an N95.

So.. you wore one .

So.. It didn't cover your mouth.

So.. it was useless.

Educate yourself as to why an N95 was required in that situation and how to use it correctly.

[sgt_nurse]

The n95, could be for his protection as another nurse mentioned. You will be on airborne precautions when you test positive for the Flu as well. It is a airborne communicable disease. So the negative pressure room, to protect you. The n95 to protect him ?! I would worry with contracting the flu, more than HIV.

[pookyp, LPN]

How was it in you if it wasn't covering your mouth? I can't imagine a mask any other way..

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

How was it in you if it wasn't covering your mouth? I can't imagine a mask any other way..

I was wondering that too... I've been trying to get a mental image Those things are pretty big... I can understand how an N95 might not be snug if the OP was not properly fitted, but how would it not have covered the mouth? If the OP had it pulled down to the neck or chin, why bother putting it on?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

The n95, could be for his protection as another nurse mentioned. You will be on airborne precautions when you test positive for the Flu as well. It is a airborne communicable disease. So the negative pressure room, to protect you. The n95 to protect him ?! I would worry with contracting the flu, more than HIV.

Flu is droplet precautions: CDC -Transmission-Based Precautions BICPP - HICPAC

I can't imagine any hospital having enough negative pressure rooms to accommodate all patients with influenza during flu season.

[pookyp, LPN]

I was wondering that too... I've been trying to get a mental image Those things are pretty big... I can understand how an N95 might not be snug if the OP was not properly fitted but how would it not have covered the mouth? If the OP had it pulled down to the neck or chin, why bother putting it on?[/quote']

I keep laughing cause I see all these images in my head on how she could have worn it. Lol! It's not funny, but it is.

[ssoxford]

Ok the mask was just too large because it was slipping off and thanks for the help and thanks to those of you for making fun...makes me feel so much better...

[ssoxford]

I had a form saying I was clear to wear one but it was obviously not correct size. Hopefully I won't get the flu! Thankfully I got my flu shot and feel like I'm pretty healthy : ) and no I'm not worried about hiv because there was no bloody saliva/secretions near me now that I recall.

[Novo]

You cannot transmit HIV through droplets. Your facility probably put him on precautions because he has HIV, meaning is he probably immunocompromised to some degree.

[ssoxford]

That's what I figured : ) I just had another nurse say otherwise so it made me second guess myself.