Question from a student

Nurses Safety

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Hey all,

I'm in nursing school and I'm currently working as a caregiver for a patient who has hepatitis C. Yesterday something happened which has had me worried sick. The client usually picks her nose and it bleeds sometimes. I'm always very careful to wash my hands all the time-so much that my skin has become dry. Yesterday the client was speaking on the phone with her son. She couldn't hear what her son was saying so she handed me the phone and I conversed with him for a while. A bit after without thinking I began to eat a pretzel and I remembered oh my!!! I didn't wash my hands after I touched the phone and there could have possibly been blood on it!!! This was confirmed because I noted a few tissues with blood on her bed. I'm planning to visit my doctor on Monday but in the mean time do you guys think the situation is a serious as I do? I was reading that transmission mainly occurs mainly through needlestick injuries. If anyone has any experience with a situation like this please respond or give insight! thanks guys :(

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

While we understand your concerns you need to speak with your employer and primary care physician. We cannot offer medical advice on these forums as per the terms of service of this site that you agreed to when signing up. There is a link to the site terms of service at the bottom of each page of this website. Good luck and hopefully you'll get the answers you need from your employer and physician

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Beachy is right....you need to follow up with your PCP. These reference from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) my help you.

Viral Hepatitis from the CDC

Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public

CDC DVH - Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public

Hepatitis C FAQs for Health Professionals

CDC DVH - HCV FAQs for Health Professionals

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