PIP: There are three aspects of caring for HIV-infected persons that nurses should consider. The first involves knowledge of the principal routes of transmission of the virus and the possible risk factors to nurses. Among the principal routes of transmission, nurses are most susceptible to exposure to blood or other body fluids carrying HIV. Such exposure may occur during patient care through accidental inoculation (e.g. needlestick injury), through contact with broken skin, or through splashing into the conjunctiva or mucous membranes. These potential risks can be reduced by adhering to simple precautions and by using the Universal Precautions for all communicable diseases; these include practicing good basic hygiene (especially handwashing); covering cuts and abrasions with an impermeable dressing; practicing care in handling sharp objects; and disposing safely of clinical and other contaminated waste. The second area of concern is the provision of emotional care to HIV-diagnosed patients. Compassion and empathy are essential in the daily nursing care of a person with HIV/AIDS. Thus, nurses must take time to talk to their patients and their families about how they are coping with the disease, as this may help the patients identify specific problems and allow them to externalize them. Finally, an integral part of the nurse's role is providing education and information to patients, to their families, and to the community as a whole. This part can be served either informally through answering questions and displaying posters and leaflets around the hospital or through more formal programs held in the hospital or community.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - nursing ; Education, Nursing, Graduate ; HIV Infections - transmission ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional - prevention & ; control

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