Pregnant and possible needle stick?

[TiffanyBui]

So I was starting an IV on a homeless patient who mainly smokes meth but has injected it before. I noticed blood on the tubing but thought it was just from the needle - like blood leaking out from the flash back that got on my glove. I finished and took off my glove and noticed blood on my thumb. I thought I had a hole in my glove and that it was the patients. I washed my hands and found out it was actually my blood and that my thumb was bleeding! 
The IV has a safety cap that automatically engages. I wasnt sure of the situation so I reported it. Occupational health wants to treat it as a needle stick just to be safe. They want me to start two meds - truvada and isentress

Thinking back I remember squeezing the CHG applicator to activate it and I remember my thumb hurting... I wonder if there was a piece of plastic that punctured my thumb. Cause I honestly don’t recall feeling anything sharp on my thumb while I had the needle out. And I was just starting a routine IV. It wasn’t a high adrenaline situation with a crashing trauma patient either. 

But for the life of me I really can’t see how I got a needle stick tho cause I got the flash, advanced the cath with my pointer, pulled out the needle that was auto capped with the safety and I tossed it on the Mayo stand. 

So if I wasn’t pregnant I’d be fine taking the month long anti virals the occupational health doctor prescribed to me. But I am 8 weeks pregnant and I’m afraid to take them. 
 

and the patient refused to give consent for hiv/hep testing... 

thoughts? I have reached out to my OB but waiting for a response. 

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

First of all, breathe. Further action is mainly in your OB's hands. I have been out of the hospital setting for a long time. My recollection is, when a patient is admitted, the consent for HIV testing in case of a needle stick is a given??

For what it's worth, many years ago I stuck myself with a needle from a septic drug addict when I was pregnant. Treatment at that time was IGG. 

 Best wishes, let us know what you decide.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I agree; breathe. Get tested. Know that your chances of contracting HIV and HEP are pretty slim. And know, there is treatment. I was stuck during my pregnancy; I know the angst you feel. HUGS.

[TiffanyBui]

59 minutes ago, SmilingBluEyes said:

I agree; breathe. Get tested. Know that your chances of contracting HIV and HEP are pretty slim. And know, there is treatment. I was stuck during my pregnancy; I know the angst you feel. HUGS.

Did you take the antivirals in your situation?

[SmilingBluEyes]

Not back then; not offered. Just a serious of tests (this was quite a while ago). I did fine. Baby turned out great; she's 22 now and expecting her own baby.

[JKL33]

5 hours ago, TiffanyBui said:

and the patient refused to give consent for hiv/hep testing... 

Is that within his/her right according to your state laws?