A young woman is panic-stricken. She had not realized how much she was drinking, and she thinks she had unprotected sex with several men last night. She is petrified and wants an HIV test immediately. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The young woman should be aware that treating HIV exposure with HIV medications has been shown to decrease the incidence of seroconversion and HIV infection. Thus, she should be treated immediately to be safe. HIV infection is usually determined by the HIV antibody test, most commonly the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. False-negative findings may occur, especially before the body produces antibodies after exposure. So a negative reading on an HIV test now would not negate starting the HIV medications. Giving her a strong lecture about the dangers of alcohol will not change that she was possibly exposed to HIV. Although it would be appropriate to provide an examination and test for all STDs, it is still most important that she receive HIV medications.

A Young Woman Is Panic-Stricken