Universal precautions has always followed the dictum that any and all the patients can be carrying diseases and thus wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever administering any kind of treatment is absolutely necessary. However the importance of such measures was felt even more when Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was discovered.

As any health care personnel you may also have to treat patients whom you know to be suffering from HIV or AIDS. Keeping any preconceived notions aside you must approach such patients like you normally would and diligently follow the universal precautions which will provide you with ample protection when handling such cases.

The following 5 tips will tell you how to manage patients with HIV and AIDS in a safe manner.

– Adequate Protection: Whenever you are attending to HIV and AIDS patients ensure that you are wearing all the required PPE securely. Gloves, fluid-resistant face shields, goggles and gowns must be used whenever there is chance of splattering fluids during surgeries, addressing open wounds and administering invasive tests. A gown is especially important for more intensive procedures to prevent your clothing from getting contaminated. You must change gloves and other equipments as often as you deem necessary and also ensure that the gear is not damaged in any way like cuts and holes in the gloves.

– Artificial Respiration: At times the patient might have to be resuscitated through artificial respiration. And though saliva is not known to carry the HIV virus there may be possible risks if the patient has a mouth wound which can cause blood to get mixed with the saliva. Thus it is best that in such situations you wear a pair of gloves and try to administer the procedure through respiratory devices as far as possible.

– Instruments: Sharp instruments like scalpels or needles should be handled with extreme caution when used to treat patients with HIV or AIDS to avoid the possibility of any cuts or nicks. While gloves do provide some protection, you must make it a point to handle such instruments carefully and deposit them in a puncture-proof container immediately after use.

– Maintain Hygiene: Remember that after attending to such patients you must remove your gloves carefully and discard them in the designated containers, and then proceed to wash your hands thoroughly. In normal course an anti-bacterial soap is sufficient but a disinfectant must be used if your skin makes contact with any body fluids.

– Personal Injury: If you have any injury that has led to broken skin or such then as far as possible you must avoid contact with such patients. However if you have to administer certain treatment then ensure that the injured part of the skin is completely covered with proper gear as such wounds can prove to be easy entry points for infection.

In addition to the above you must try to use the latest gear available as they are more robust and offer a much more effective resistance against severe diseases like HIV.

For more information, please visit our universal precautions website.

For more information, please visit our universal precautions website http://www.universalprecautions.com

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our universal precautions website.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: AIDS,HIV,Safety,Universal Precautions