Question

A 45-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a needle just used on a patient known to be HIV positive with a detectable viral load. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Wash the area, assess risk and offer HIV post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible

Answer

Reassure that no action is needed

Answer

Start long-term antiretroviral therapy without assessment

Answer

Delay any treatment until HIV antibody test at 3 months

Answer

Ask the nurse to arrange testing herself through her GP

Practice question

A 45-year-old nurse sustains a needlestick injury from a needle just used on a patient known to be HIV positive with a detectable viral load. What is the most appropriate immediate management?