ATI Community Health Nursing Test Bank Related

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A student asks the school nurse how acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is diagnosed. Which answer is correct?

  • A. AIDS is diagnosed through the negative results of a screening test called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • B. Antibodies to HIV, which form in about 6 weeks to 3 months following infection with HIV, are detected in the blood.
  • C. Antibodies to HIV reach peak levels of 200/mL of blood.
  • D. AIDS is diagnosed through positive ELISA results and clinical signs of AIDS.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because antibodies to HIV are typically detected in the blood within 6 weeks to 3 months after infection, indicating exposure to the virus. This seroconversion period is when the body starts producing antibodies to fight the HIV virus. The presence of these antibodies in the blood is a key indicator of HIV infection, leading to a diagnosis of AIDS.

Choice A is incorrect because a negative ELISA result does not diagnose AIDS, as it only indicates the absence of HIV antibodies. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific peak level of HIV antibodies required for diagnosis. Choice D is incorrect because a positive ELISA result alone is not sufficient to diagnose AIDS; clinical signs and symptoms must also be present.