Handbook for nursing students on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

This manual of biosafety measures for nursing staff responsible for care of AIDS patients begins by reviewing the discovery of the AIDS virus and its characteristics and mode of action. The 586 AIDS cases reported in Costa Rica through February 1994 have been concentrated among homosexuals although heterosexual transmission is increasing. In 1991 a 5-year training program for nurses and nurses aides was launched to improve treatment of HIV and AIDS patients and to educate health personnel on biosafety norms to prevent accidental infection. A section on HIV transmission describes the modes of transmission and also identifies forms of contact not leading to transmission. Techniques of sterilization and disinfection to prevent spread of HIV are then described in detail. Topics covered include sterilization and disinfection of instruments; sterilization by steam dry heat or boiling; intensive disinfection through immersion in chemical products; cleaning of surfaces using compounds containing chlorine; and disinfection of living tissue with antiseptic. The next chapter describes nursing procedures and biosafety measures including precautions related to blood and other organic liquids. Hand washing gloves and other protective gear techniques to avoid accidental skin punctures precautions with laboratory samples instructions for laundering contaminated clothing and bed clothes methods for autopsy and handling of the cadaver and elimination of contaminated wastes of different types are discussed. The final section briefly outlines psychosocial aspects of adjustment to HIV infection and AIDS.