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Discussion

RN Needlestick

Hello Everyone,

First off I want to thank anyone who responds to my post.

I am a RN and a week ago while working a long night shift I experience I needlestick injury. While I was giving a sub-q Lovenox injection I pulled back and somehow accidentally poked myself in my hand (I was exhausted from work and rushing.) At first I thought it did not break the skin but later on noticed a spot of blood on my finger. I washed the finger really well and squeezed a small amount of blood out. The patient has no history of HIV and no risk factors but was experiencing a fever in the hospital. Of course I am a nervous wreck now that I will end up with the disease. I did to start any PEP drugs.

Two days after the needlestick until now I have been sick with a sore throat/chills/upset stomach. So of course I am freaking out.

What are my chances of getting HIV?

When should I get tested?

Is it too soon for me to be showing any signs?

I have learned my lesson to slow down and get some sleep. Thank you everyone.

Featured Replies

Did you report this to employee health?

  • Author

No I did not.

I thought post-exposure prophylaxis needed to be started right away.

Also, my understanding is that they test you for HIV right away, and then again after the proper time period. If you test positive right away, then you didn't get it from this needlestick.

In other words, if you did eventually test positive, you would need to be able to show that you were not positive before the injury.

Ideally this should have been reported this as soon as it happened. A post exposure evaluation should have been completed, and the potential risks could have been explained in detail. Also, if appropriate, you could have been provided the option of starting post exposure prophylactic medications.

You should report this when you report for your next shift. At the least, you should be able to have your questions answered, and risks explained. Although you might be too late for post exposure prophylaxis, you might still be within the window for post exposure testing.

I am so sorry that you are going through this.

  • Expert

We can not provide medical advice per our terms of service...please see your medical provider.

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