Which two patient types should not be cared for on the same shift?

• A. HIV-positive patients and HBV-infected patients
• B. HBV and patients that are susceptible to HBV
• C. HBV-infected patients and patients with Hep C
• D. Susceptible HBV patients and HIV-positive patients

Answer: (B)

HBV is highly transmissible through blood and bodily fluids, and patients who are not immune to HBV (susceptible) can become infected if exposed. In a dialysis setting, where blood exposure and shared equipment can occur, placing an HBV-infected patient on the same shift as a susceptible patient greatly increases the risk of transmission. To protect those without immunity, it’s standard practice to avoid pairing an HBV-infected patient with someone susceptible to HBV on the same shift, or to ensure strict dedicated staffing and precautions if such pairing cannot be avoided. The other pairings don’t pose the same specific risk to a patient who is not immune to HBV, which is why this option is the best choice.