Which step is most appropriate when starting an IV in a patient with AIDS to protect healthcare personnel?

• A. Stay with client during first 15 minutes of infusion.
• B. Wash hands and don gloves before insertion
• C. Wear a mask only during the procedure
• D. Ignore standard precautions if the patient is uncomfortable

Answer: (B)

Standard precautions and barrier protection are essential during venous access. Washing hands and donning gloves before inserting an IV creates a critical barrier between your skin and the patient’s blood, reducing the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV. Hand hygiene first ensures you aren’t carrying anything onto the sterile field, and gloves prevent direct contact with blood and bodily fluids during the needle insertion. After the procedure, remove gloves and perform hand hygiene again.

Staying with the patient for a period of time is important for monitoring and comfort, but it doesn’t address occupational safety for potential exposure. Wearing a mask alone isn’t the main protective step for this procedure, since the primary risk is blood exposure rather than respiratory droplets. Ignoring standard precautions would increase risk for you and others and is not acceptable.