The nurse is assessing a patient with chronic hypertension whose blood pressure has been 160/90 for the last three clinic visits. What new symptom indicates that the patient may be experiencing target organ damage?

A. Administer post-exposure prophylaxis medication: Administering post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication is an essential step in preventing HIV transmission after a needlestick injury. However, it is not the first action to be taken. Before administering PEP, immediate precautions should be implemented to minimize the risk of transmission.

B. Determine the HIV status of the patient: While knowing the HIV status of the patient is important for assessing the risk of transmission, it is not the first action to be taken after a needlestick injury. Obtaining the patient's HIV status may take time and may not be immediately available. Therefore, other precautionary measures should be implemented first.

C. Advise exposed health care providers to use precautions: This is the most immediate and appropriate action following a needlestick injury. Advising exposed healthcare providers to use precautions, such as wearing gloves and washing the affected area thoroughly, helps minimize the risk of HIV transmission immediately after the incident. It is essential to prioritize safety measures for the healthcare provider while waiting for further assessment and management steps.

D. Undergo early reevaluation after exposure: While early reevaluation after exposure is important, especially for assessing the need for additional medical interventions, it is not the first action to be taken. Immediate precautions to prevent transmission should be prioritized before further evaluation.

A. Following proper handwashing and use of masks: While handwashing and wearing masks are important infection control measures, they are not specific to preventing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. While HBV can be present in blood and certain body fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluids, the primary modes of transmission are through activities that involve percutaneous or mucosal exposure to infected blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex, sharing needles, or accidental needlesticks. While hand hygiene and mask use are crucial in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of various infections, including HBV, they may not offer sufficient protection against HBV transmission in all situations.

B. Avoiding chemicals that are toxic and polluted air: While avoiding toxic chemicals and polluted air is important for overall health and may support liver health indirectly, it is not directly related to preventing HBV infection. HBV is primarily transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids rather than environmental factors such as air pollution or exposure to toxic chemicals.

C. Public health education and vaccination: This is the most appropriate measure for preventing HBV infection. Public health education plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the risks of HBV transmission and promoting behaviors that reduce the risk of exposure, such as safe sex practices, avoiding sharing needles, and seeking medical care for potential exposures. Additionally, vaccination against HBV is highly effective in preventing infection and is recommended for all individuals, particularly those at increased risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, and individuals who inject drugs. Vaccination not only protects vaccinated individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall prevalence of HBV in the population.

D. Limiting alcohol intake of red and white wine: While limiting alcohol intake is important for liver health, particularly in individuals with liver disease, it is not specifically aimed at preventing HBV infection. Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to liver damage and may exacerbate liver disease in individuals infected with HBV. However, it does not directly address the risk of HBV transmission.