Learning Objectives

Upon completing the module Postexposure Prophylaxis, participants should be able to:

  1. State the approximate risk of a health care worker acquiring HIV with a needlestick injury if the health care worker does not take postexposure prophylaxis.
  2. Summarize the risk factors associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission with a needlestick injury.
  3. List the initial steps a health-care worker should take after having a needlestick injury.
  4. Describe basic and expanded regimens for postexposure prophylaxis and the recommended duration of postexposure prophylaxis therapy.
  5. Discuss the initial approach to a needlestick injury involving a source patient of unknown HIV status.
  6. Understand the potential use of the rapid HIV testing in an exposure involving a source patient of unknown HIV status.
  7. Describe the approximate risk of transmission of hepatitis C virus to a health care worker in a needlestick injury involving a source patient infected with both HIV and hepatitis C virus.
  8. Summarize the recommendations for hepatitis C virus postexposure prophylaxis.
  9. Determine the appropriate setting for giving antiretroviral postexposure prophylaxis following a nonoccupational exposure to HIV.
  10. List preferred antiretroviral regimens to use for postexposure prophylaxis following a nonoccupational exposure to HIV.