What is the emergency treatment prescribed following exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of infection?

The emergency treatment specifically prescribed following potential exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of infection is post-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PEP. PEP involves taking antiretroviral medications within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV, with the goal of preventing the virus from establishing an infection.

In contrast, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a preventive approach for individuals at ongoing risk of HIV, and is not meant for use after exposure. NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) are a class of antiretroviral medications used in the treatment of HIV, but they are not specifically designated for emergency post-exposure scenarios. ART (antiretroviral therapy) is a broader term that refers to the treatment regimen for those who are already HIV-positive, rather than for preventing the infection after exposure.

PEP is the correct choice because it is specifically designed as an emergency measure to decrease the likelihood of HIV infection after potential exposure, making it the appropriate response in this scenario.