The patient with a long history of intravenous drug abuse presents to the emergency department with white lesions on both sides of the tongue that change appearance every couple of days. Despite fatigue and recent weight loss, the patient’s assessment is normal. Which type of precautions does the nurse use for this patient?

Universal. This patient is exhibiting signs of symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The oral lesions may be hairy leukoplakia and the unexplained weight loss and fatigue point to worsening of the disease. However, the lack of other symptoms like hemoptysis and night sweats decrease the concern for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis. Therefore, at this point, universal precautions are appropriate. Contact, droplet, and reverse precautions are not necessary to prevent HIV transmission.

The patient with a long history of intravenous drug abuse present...

NCLEX Practice
Categories
Safety and Infection Control
View Question

Category: Safety and Infection Control
Difficulty: 5

Topics: Delegation, Prioritization and Leadership Disease Prevention Lifestyle Choices and High Risk Behavior

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Additional Safety and Infection Control Questions

The nurse is preparing to draw blood from a patient who requires multiple laboratory tests. Which lab does the nurse draw first?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 3

The nurse is teaching a nursing student about hand washing. Which statement by the nursing student indicates understanding of the teaching?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 5

A fire has started in one of the medical surgical units, and the staff has been instructed to perform a horizontal evacuation. Which action does the nurse take first?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 5

Show Calculator

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Safety and Infection Control Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX