Question

A 28-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a source patient with known HIV infection and a high viral load. The injury occurs in the emergency department; she presents immediately. What is the most appropriate management regarding HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?

Accepted Answer

Offer triple-drug antiretroviral PEP as soon as possible, ideally within hours

Answer

Reassure her that PEP is unnecessary because the risk is very low

Answer

Wait for the source patient's updated viral load before starting PEP

Answer

Start PEP only if she develops flu-like symptoms over the next few weeks

Answer

Offer a single dose of antiretroviral medication and repeat HIV testing in 3 months

Practice question

A 28-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a source patient with known HIV infection and a high viral load. The injury occurs in the emergency department; she presents immediately. What is the most appropriate management regarding HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?