A 32-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a patient known to be HIV positive wit...

Question

A 32-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a patient known to be HIV positive with a high viral load. The injury is deep and there was visible blood. What is the most appropriate immediate management regarding HIV?

Accepted Answer

Start HIV post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible

Answer

Arrange HIV serology at 3 months with no immediate treatment

Answer

Wait for the patient's CD4 count before deciding on prophylaxis

Answer

Start long-term antiretroviral therapy indefinitely

Answer

No further action as the risk is negligible

au-amc MCQ (SBA): HIV post-exposure prophylaxis

A 32-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after taking blood from a patient known to be HIV positive with a high viral load. The injury is deep and there was visible blood. What is the most appropriate immediate management regarding HIV?