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!

[DoeRN]

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.

You should make an appointment with employee health so you can be refitted. You should not be taking care of patients who are in need of a N95 which from my experience are TB and shingles patients. Also take some time to review your policy and procedures on isolation patients. Whenever I oriented new nurses I made them spend a day or 2 going over the policies and procedures.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

[nyteshade, BSN]

C'mon guys take it easy on the OP. It's easy for anyone to get freaked out or second guess especially if another nurse placed the idea in their mind.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

A definite reason why these things are fit-tested. Somebody at your facility has failed you by making them available to staff without ensuring that they can be used correctly. Find out who it was...

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...

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

OP thanks members for advice...thread closed.