Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Even with the proper and consistent use of standard precautions, your risk of getting HIV from an AIDS patient is quite high.

1. True

2. False

3. Partially true

4. Unclear

The correct answer is: False

The correct assertion is that the risk of getting HIV from an AIDS patient is quite low when standard precautions are consistently and properly followed. Standard precautions are infection control practices designed to protect healthcare workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials. These precautions include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and gowns, as well as proper hand hygiene. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and rectal fluids. When standard precautions are adhered to, the potential avenues for transmission are mitigated. For example, whenever there's a chance of exposure to blood or body fluids, wearing gloves and other protective gear reduces the risk of any form of transmission. Therefore, the statement suggesting a high risk when using standard precautions does not accurately reflect the efficacy of these measures in preventing HIV transmission.