A second-year nursing student has just suffered a needlestick while working with a patient that is positive for AIDS.. Start prophylactic AZT treatment

A second-year nursing student has just suffered a needlestick while working with a patient that is positive for AIDS.

Which of the following is the most significant action that nursing student should take?

• A- Immediately see a social worker.
• B- Start prophylactic AZT treatment.
• C- Start prophylactic Pentamidine treatment.
• D- Seek counseling.

Answer: B. Start prophylactic AZT treatment

Azidothymidine (AZT) treatment is the most critical intervention. It is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS by reducing the replication of the virus.

Options A and D:

Other interventions mentioned are to be done later.

Option C:

Pentamidine is an antimicrobial medication given to prevent and treat pneumocystis pneumonia.