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...

Category: Safety and Infection Control
Difficulty: 5

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

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