Possible HIV exposure?

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Hey everyone!

So I am currently a nursing student and yesterday at clinical, I placed and D/Cd an IV on a patient I had (but that we didn't know was HIV+). During the IV catheter placement, I wore gloves and there was no needle stick or anything, but when I took the other IV out, I touched her arm (ungloved) before putting on gloves to look at it, and there was a little dried blood on her arm. I didn't have any open cuts on that hand but I DID have a teensy scratch on my other wrist and I cannot for the life of me, remember if I touched that wrist or not. After leaving, I used antiseptic foam. When we found out she was HIV+ we washed our hands with soap and water. The patient had already been on HIV meds but I'm not sure for how long. The nurse I was with didn't seem very concerned at all but I'm a little nervous. Should I start on the prophylactics? Any advice would be great. Thanks!!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

It's too late you're infected.

:dead:

You have nothing to worry about. Move on and consider what you'll do different, if anything, in the future to prevent such worries.

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

you can report just to close the loop.

But I don't see anything to worry about

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Dried blood = no HiV present. It dies outside the body. It's very hard to catch HIV.

Hepatitis is very different.

Go read on the cdc website.

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Do not decide this on your own, through hearsay, via webpages, or what some nurse or other thinks is true. This is your life and your health.

Major hospitals and cities have experts who can access your risk and help you make a decision. Talk with them and do so very quickly. If you don't know who to call, call the top ER in your city. They deal with those issues all the time.

Keep in mind that HIV anti-viral drugs are 100% effective at preventing an infection for 24 hours after exposure and highly effective up to about 48 hours. After that, they are of limited value. That is a very narrow window.

Personally, I wouldn't take a chance. I'd get that anti-viral treatment simply for my peace of mind. Getting it will also set you up to be tested over the next few months. Don't put yourself in a position where you'll end up worrying and fretting. Play it safe. Talk to the experts.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You cannot get HIV from touching a spot of dried blood with intact skin.

There are also many side effects with antiretroviral drugs. Call your physician and report to your school. The emergency department will NOT advise you over the phone

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

CDC HIV resource hotline: "CDC National AIDS Hotline (1-800- 342-2437) can answer questions or provide information on HIV infection and AIDS and the resources available in your area."

http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/pdfs/bbp/Exp_to_Blood.pdf

If the blood is dry it's not infectious:

hiv out of body - Forum on Understanding Your Labs -- TheBody.com

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Thanks so much for those links! I will absolutely be calling.

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Thank you all so much for the advice! I know I need to talk to an expert and get some recommendations. Thanks again y'all.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You have received excellent advice about contacting your school. Best wishes

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