Case Study for Management Leadership
Mary is a visiting nurse taking care of a patient with HIV who has recently returned to living in his single room occupancy (SRO) apartment after being in the hospital for a lymph node biopsy. The wound created when the lymph node biopsy was done continually drains a yellow fluid--presumed to be lymphatic drainage. Mary provides nursing assessment and monitoring of the patient.
Diane is an aide provided through a different agency to assist the patient with personal hygiene including dressing changes and bathing in the communal shower room at the SRO. Mary is aware that the agency Diane works for has a policy of teaching its employees to use bloodborne pathogen precautions with all patients (Universal Precautions) and thus does not release the HIV or Hepatitis infection status of patients to the employees.
Questions
- What are the risks for Mary and Diane in caring for this patient?
- Are there any other workers who may be at risk?
- Considering the recommendations what do you think Mary should do?
