Nokea
A patients primary infection with HIV has subsided and an equilibrium now exists between HIV levels and the patients immune response. This physiologic state is known as which of the following?
- A. Static stage
- B. Latent stage
- C. Viral set point
- D. Window period
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The remaining amount of virus in the body after primary infection is referred to as the viral set point, which results in a steady state of infection that lasts for years. This is not known as the static or latent stage. The window period is the time a person infected with HIV tests negative even though he or she is infected.
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A patient with HIV infection has developed severe diarrhea. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help alleviate the diarrhea?
- A. Administer antidiarrheal medications on a scheduled basis, as ordered.
- B. Encourage the patient to eat three balanced meals and a snack at bedtime.
- C. Increase the patients oral fluid intake.
- D. Encourage the patient to increase his or her activity level.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering antidiarrheal agents on a regular schedule may be more beneficial than administering them on an as-needed basis, provided the patients diarrhea is not caused by an infectious microorganism. Increased oral fluid may exacerbate diarrhea; IV fluid replacement is often indicated. Small, more frequent meals may be beneficial, and it is unrealistic to increase activity while the patient has frequent diarrhea.
A patient is in the primary infection stage of HIV. What is true of this patients current health status?
- A. The patients HIV antibodies are successfully, but temporarily, killing the virus.
- B. The patient is infected with HIV but lacks HIV-specific antibodies.
- C. The patients risk for opportunistic infections is at its peak.
- D. The patient may or may not develop long-standing HIV infection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The period from infection with HIV to the development of HIV-specific antibodies is known as primary infection. The virus is not being eradicated and infection is certain. Opportunistic infections emerge much later in the course of the disease.
An HIV-infected patient presents at the clinic for a scheduled CD4+ count. The results of the test are 45 cells/mL, and the nurse recognizes the patients increased risk for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC disease). The nurse should anticipate the administration of what drug?
- A. Azithromycin
- B. Vancomycin
- C. Levofloxacin
- D. Fluconazole
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: HIV-infected adults and adolescents should receive chemoprophylaxis against disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC disease) if they have a CD4+ count less than 50 cells/L. Azithromycin (Zithromax) or clarithromycin (Biaxin) are the preferred prophylactic agents. Vancomycin, levofloxacin, and fluconazole are not prophylactic agents for MAC.
During the admission assessment of an HIV-positive patient whose CD4+ count has recently fallen, the nurse carefully assesses for signs and symptoms related to opportunistic infections. What is the most common life-threatening infection?
- A. Salmonella infection
- B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- C. Clostridium difficile
- D. Pneumocystis pneumonia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: There are a number of opportunistic infections that can infect individuals with AIDS. The most common life-threatening infection in those living with AIDS is Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), caused by P. jiroveci (formerly carinii). Other opportunistic infections may involve Salmonella, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Clostridium difficile.
A patient with a recent diagnosis of HIV infection expresses an interest in exploring alternative and complementary therapies. How should the nurse best respond?
- A. Complementary therapies generally have not been approved, so patients are usually discouraged from using them.
- B. Researchers have not looked at the benefits of alternative therapy for patients with HIV, so we suggest that you stay away from these therapies until there is solid research data available.
- C. Many patients with HIV use some type of alternative therapy and, as with most health treatments, there are benefits and risks.
- D. Youll need to meet with your doctor to choose between an alternative approach to treatment and a medical approach.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should approach the topic of alternative or complementary therapies from an open-ended, supportive approach, emphasizing the need to communicate with care providers. Complementary therapies and medical treatment are not mutually exclusive, though some contraindications exist. Research supports the efficacy of some forms of complementary and alternative treatment.