Question

A 32-year-old nurse experiences a needlestick injury from a patient with unknown HIV status. The injury occurred 1 hour ago. According to Canadian HIV post-exposure prophylaxis principles, what is the best next step?

Accepted Answer

Initiate triple-drug HIV post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible and test the source patient

Answer

Reassure; no PEP is needed if HIV status is unknown

Answer

Defer any treatment until the patient's HIV status is confirmed

Answer

Give a single dose of antiretroviral therapy in the ED only

Answer

Wait 72 hours before deciding on PEP

Practice question

A 32-year-old nurse experiences a needlestick injury from a patient with unknown HIV status. The injury occurred 1 hour ago. According to Canadian HIV post-exposure prophylaxis principles, what is the best next step?