The i.v.  nurse and the i.v.  drug abuser: medical and psychosocial implications. 
When I.V. nurses treat I.V. drug abusers, they must be aware of the medical and psychosocial issues relevant to this group.  Medical issues include the I.V. drug abuser's depleted venous access and this group's high rate of infection with HIV and other blood pathogens.  Psychosocial issues relate to the various social and psychological problems associated with drug abuse.  Further, when caring for these patients who are at high risk for HIV and other serious blood infections, the I.V. nurse may experience a conflict between her desire to care for the patient and her fear of contracting HIV or another infection through patient contact.  Education is recommended so that I.V. nurses can reduce their risk of infection with blood-borne diseases and can better understand these patients.  Also suggested are a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and referral to drug rehabilitation programs.