The nurse accidentally sticks herself with a needle after starting an intravenous line on a client with AIDS. The nurse tells the supervisor about the accident. What is the best initial response by the supervisor to decrease anxiety in the nurse?

Question

1. "Workers compensation will cover the cost of your illness and medications."
2. "Fortunately, the chances of you contracting human immunodeficiency virus after the stick are very small."
3. "If you are started on medications soon, it will decrease the severity of the disease."
4. "Did you use the hospital protocols for starting IV lines on a client with AIDS?"

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: If the nurse did contract HIV, workers compensation would cover the cost, but the risk of HIV transmission is small. This response would not reduce anxiety.
Rationale 2: Risk of transmission does exist, but is very small.
Rationale 3: The risk of occupational transmission of HIV is very small. Telling the nurse to start on medication will not reduce anxiety.
Rationale 4: Asking the nurse if she used protocols is nontherapeutic at this point and will most likely increase anxiety.
Global Rationale: The risk of transmission is small and the manager should calm the nurse with this information. Starting medication soon is indicated, but will not help reduce the nurse's initial anxiety. Asking about protocols and discussing workman's compensation will not help reduce the nurse's anxiety at this time.