When Ross has his appointment at the clinic, which initial action, specific to his HIV status, should the practical nurse implement?

When Ross has his appointment at the clinic, which initial action, specific to his HIV status, should the practical nurse implement?

• A. Asking him if he has been taking his medications
• B. Performing hand hygiene
• C. Placing him in a room separate from infectious clients
• D. Gloving when she examines Ross

Answer: (B)

Hand hygiene is the essential first step because it implements standard precautions to prevent transmission of infections before touching any patient. HIV is not spread through casual contact, but maintaining clean hands protects both Ross and the nurse from any potential exposure to blood or body fluids during the encounter. Medicating Ross (A) and isolating him in a separate room (C) are not the immediate infection-control actions required for a routine initial assessment, since HIV isn’t spread through casual contact and a separate room isn’t indicated. Gloving (D) is important when there’s a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, but it does not replace the need for proper hand hygiene as the first action.

Hand hygiene is the essential first step because it implements standard precautions to prevent transmission of infections before touching any patient. HIV is not spread through casual contact, but maintaining clean hands protects both Ross and the nurse from any potential exposure to blood or body fluids during the encounter.

Medicating Ross (A) and isolating him in a separate room (C) are not the immediate infection-control actions required for a routine initial assessment, since HIV isn’t spread through casual contact and a separate room isn’t indicated. Gloving (D) is important when there’s a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, but it does not replace the need for proper hand hygiene as the first action.