Nurse working in an operation theatre must know, the risk of HIV infection with needle stick injury is about

Correct option is C

The average risk of HIV transmission after a percutaneous (needle stick) injury from an HIV-positive source is about 0.3%, which equates to roughly 1 in 300 exposures. This estimate is based on CDC data from occupational exposures in healthcare workers. Explanation of each option: • (a) 1 : 100 – This implies a 1% risk, which is significantly higher than actual data. HIV is not easily transmitted via needle stick; the virus does not survive well outside the body. • (b) 1 : 200 – Slightly high. Some estimates consider increased risk in deep injuries or with visible blood on the needle, but average risk is lower. • (c) 1 : 300 – Correct. According to CDC, the average risk of HIV transmission from a percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood is 0.3%, or 1 in 300. • (d) 1 : 400 – Slightly underestimates the risk. While still possible in some studies, 1:300 is more widely cited and accepted as standard.