Working in health and social care: test your knowledge

Which of the following actions is appropriate when supporting someone living with HIV?

Double-gloving and deep-cleaning aftercare.

Isolating the person from others.

Following standard infection control procedures.

Label their file to alert colleagues.

Which of these statements is false?

Blood tests and mouth swabs are both reliable ways to test for HIV, as long as the test is taken within a reliable amount of time after potential exposure.

You cannot tell someone’s HIV status by looking at them, their age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, job, or interests.

HIV does not survive long outside of the body.

Asking someone how they acquired HIV is acceptable if you’re curious, and it doesn’t affect their care.

You notice a colleague has highlighted someone's HIV status on the front of their notes. What should you do?

Do nothing; it’s probably for safety.

Speak to the colleague and remind them about confidentiality.

Remove the label immediately and say nothing.

Inform the patient that their status has been shared.

Which of the following is NOT a way HIV can be passed on?

Sharing needles.

Unprotected sex with someone who has HIV and is not on treatment.

Touching, hugging, or kissing someone with HIV.

Through breastfeeding if the mother is not on treatment.

Which of the following statements is correct?

Tests are available free of charge from NHS Sexual Health Centres and organisations such as Waverley Care and THT.

Testing for HIV immediately after exposure will always give an accurate result.

Special procedures are necessary for laundry and handling sharps.

Tests are only available to UK citizens who are registered with a GP.

Working in health and social care: test your knowledge

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