Nurse working in an operation theatre must know, the risk of HIV infection with needle stick injury is about

Appeared in: JIPMER Nursing Officer-2017

Explanation

The average risk of transmitting HIV after a percutaneous (needle stick) injury with HIV-infected blood is approximately 0.3%.
This percentage translates to a ratio of 3 in 1000, which simplifies to about 1 in 300 exposures.
This risk is considered low compared to other bloodborne pathogens like Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), as confirmed by sources like the CDC and medical literature.

Option A: A ratio of 1:100 represents a 1% risk, which is significantly higher than the actual transmission risk for HIV via needle stick.
Option B: A ratio of 1:200 represents a 0.5% risk, which is still considerably higher than the accepted average risk of 0.3% for HIV.
Option D: A ratio of 1:400 represents a 0.25% risk. While some studies show figures around 0.23%, the most widely accepted and taught average risk used for clinical and public health guidance is 0.3% (1 in 300).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Occupational health and safety: Risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Immediate reporting of any needle stick or sharps injury is a critical nursing responsibility to ensure timely evaluation and access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
PEP for HIV is most effective when initiated as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours and generally not recommended after 72 hours post-exposure.
This low but definite risk underscores the non-negotiable importance of adhering to Universal Precautions and safe injection practices for every patient, every time.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept being tested: the statistical risk of HIV transmission from a needle stick injury.
This is a factual recall question common in infection control and safety topics.
Recall the standard transmission risk percentages for major bloodborne pathogens. For HIV, the key figure is 0.3%.
Convert the percentage to a ratio: 0.3% is equivalent to 0.3 per 100, or 3 per 1000, which simplifies to 1 per 333.
Select the option that is closest to this calculated ratio, which is 1:300.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Occupational health and safety: Risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.
Stem keywords: operation theatre, HIV infection, needle stick injury, risk
Lead-in keywords: is about

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 pp. 1666-1668, 1605-1607

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