Learning
Objectives
Upon completion of this one-unit course,
the learner will be able to:
-
Define HIV and AIDS.
- Demonstrate
knowledge of Epidemiology, Immunology, Transmission, and Universal
Precautions.
-
Describe the most common HIV test
- Assess
their own attitudes and behaviors when confronted with HIV positive
patients and respond appropriately.
- Describe
how the measurement of viral burden assists in the management
of HIV disease.
- List
two types of reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
-
Describe how Protease inhibitors work.
-
Describe the clinical significance of highly active antiretroviral
therapy (HAART).
-
Discuss the CDC recommendations for the administration of post
exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after contact with HIV-contaminated
blood.
Introduction
The threat of exposure to HIV has been a
concern of healthcare workers for some time now; and not without
reason. There are numerous documented cases of persons working in
a variety of healthcare settings becoming infected as a result of
their day to day work.
As
an example, according to the Exposure Prevention Information Network,
between 1993 and 1995 there were 664 needlesticks and sharps injury
cases reported by healthcare workers employed at 77 hospitals:
a. Nurses were by far the largest group of workers represented
in the total figure,
with 49 percent of the needlesticks;
b. Physicians, including interns, accounted for 16 percent;
c.
Phlebotomists for eight percent;
d. Paramedics for one percent; and
e. Respiratory therapists and housekeeping staff for three percent
each.
The good news is that post-exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers
has shown some success in reducing HIV transmission rates among
those with occupational exposure to HIV-infected blood.
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