Learning Outcomes

When you have studied this session, you should be able to:

• Define and use correctly all of the key words printed in bold.
• Describe the basic principles and standard procedures of universal precautions to prevent exposure and transmission of blood-borne infectious agents.
• Describe the standard procedures for giving safe injections to prevent occupational exposure to infectious agents.
• Explain the principles of post-exposure prophylaxis.
• Assess the risks of HIV infection following accidental occupational exposures.
• Describe the measures that should be taken when a healthcare worker suffers a needle-stick injury.
• Explain how you would refer someone who has been raped for post-exposure HIV prophylaxis.