A nurse is assessing a patient admitted with diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The nurse finds that the patient is experiencing a progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral and motor functions. The nurse identifies these symptoms are most likely related to the onset of which complication?

A. Administer post-exposure prophylaxis medication: While post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication may be necessary in certain cases of needlestick injuries involving potential exposure to HIV, it is not the first step to perform. The initial priority is to ensure the safety of the healthcare provider and prevent potential transmission of the virus.

B. Determine the HIV status of the patient: Determining the HIV status of the patient is essential for risk assessment and guiding subsequent management. However, this step may take some time, and immediate action to protect the healthcare provider should not be delayed while waiting for the patient's HIV status to be confirmed.

C. Advise exposed healthcare providers to use precautions: This is the first step to perform after a needlestick injury. Healthcare providers should be immediately advised to use standard precautions, including hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, to minimize the risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

D. Undergo early reevaluation after exposure: Early reevaluation after exposure is important to assess the risk of transmission and determine the need for further interventions, including PEP medication. However, advising exposed healthcare providers to use precautions should take precedence as an immediate response to the injury.

A. Drink purified water: While drinking purified water is important for preventing various waterborne diseases, it is not a preventive measure specifically targeted at hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. HBV is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as during unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth. Drinking purified water does not protect against these modes of HBV transmission.

B. Avoid crowded, enclosed spaces: Avoiding crowded, enclosed spaces may reduce the risk of respiratory infections, but it does not specifically prevent HBV transmission. HBV is not transmitted through the air like respiratory viruses. Instead, it is spread through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. While avoiding crowded spaces may be a general infection control measure, it is not a targeted preventive measure for HBV.

C. Complete the vaccination series: This is the correct preventive measure for HBV. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing HBV infection. It is administered as a series of shots, typically given in three doses over a period of several months. Completing the vaccination series provides long-term immunity against HBV infection and is recommended for all individuals, including travelers to regions where HBV is common. Vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to reducing the overall prevalence of HBV in the community.

D. Avoid sharing utensils: While avoiding sharing utensils can reduce the risk of transmitting certain infections, such as colds or flu, it is not specifically aimed at preventing HBV transmission. HBV is primarily transmitted through activities involving exposure to infected blood or body fluids, rather than through sharing utensils. While practicing good hygiene and avoiding behaviors that may result in exposure to blood or body fluids are important preventive measures for HBV, completing the vaccination series is the most effective way to prevent infection.