Question

A nurse who is 6 months pregnant is assigned to a client with a diagnosis of HIV. The nurse tells the manager that she is unable to care for the client because it would be a risk to her baby. Which of the following is the most appropriate statement by the manager?
a) "You can decrease the risk of exposure to the virus if the client uses disposable plates and utensils when eating."b) "There will be no problem with this assignment if you wear a mask and gloves while providing all direct client care."c) "I will ask that you be transferred to another unit while you are pregnant so there is no risk to you or your baby."d) "You will be OK if you follow standard precautions and use protective equipment to avoid contact with blood and body fluids when providing care.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. You will be OK if you follow standard precautions and use protective equipment to avoid contact with blood and body fluids when providing care.

Explanation:

HIV is transmitted through body fluids, so the care giver (nurse) would be protected by avoiding contact with blood and body fluids.

HIV is not transmitted through eating utensils or saliva. HIV is also not airborne, so wearing a mask is not necessary.  

Avoiding contact with blood and body fluids will protect the nurse and her pregnancy.

Answer 2

Answer:

The most appropriate statement by the manager is "you will be ok if you follow standard precautions and use protective equipment to avoid contact with blood and body fluid from the patient when providing care.

Explanation:

HIV means Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It interfers with the body's ability to fight infection. It can be contacted through the following:

1. Direct contact with the blood of an infected person.

2. From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or nursing.

This virus can be detected through a blood test carried out by a Medical Lab Scientists.

For now there are no permanent cure for this virus, it can only be treated so it doesn't become chronic and grow into AIDS.

As a medical practitioner, precautions needs to be taken inorder not to contact this virus when providing care to patients.