HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a retrovirus that progressively destroys CD4+ T-lymphocytes, dismantling the adaptive immune system and leaving patients vulnerable to life-threatening opportunistic infections. In Canadian nursing practice, two distinct clinical priorities dominate HIV care: (1) protecting patient confidentiality under federal and provincial privacy law (PIPEDA, provincial Human Rights Acts) and (2) delivering timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within the 72-hour treatment window following occupational or non-occupational exposure. Missed or delayed PEP initiation beyond 72 hours renders prophylaxis ineffective. Breaching HIV-positive status without informed consent violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and provincial health legislation and constitutes professional misconduct. Top 3 nursing priorities: 1. Initiate PEP as soon as possible — ideally within 2 hours, mandatory within 72 hours — following confirmed high-risk exposure. 2. Maintain strict confidentiality: HIV status cannot be disclosed to employers, family members, or other healthcare workers without the patient's explicit written consent, except where provincial duty-to-warn legislation applies (sexual partners at ongoing risk). 3. Connect the patient with HIV specialist care, social work, and mental health support within the same visit. Common NCLEX trap: Students...