A 42-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after drawing blood from a known HIV-positive patient with a h...

Question

A 42-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after drawing blood from a known HIV-positive patient with a high viral load who is not on antiretroviral therapy. What is the most appropriate step regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?

Accepted Answer

Initiate HIV PEP as soon as possible, ideally within hours

Answer

Reassure that PEP is not indicated for percutaneous exposure

Answer

Wait for baseline HIV testing before starting PEP

Answer

Start PEP only if she develops symptoms of acute HIV

Answer

Recommend only hepatitis B vaccination

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): HIV post-exposure prophylaxis

A 42-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a hollow-bore needle immediately after drawing blood from a known HIV-positive patient with a high viral load who is not on antiretroviral therapy. What is the most appropriate step regarding post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?