Nokea
The nurse is participating in the planning of care for a patient who has HIV. Which therapeutic action should the nurse recognize as the treatment goal for HIV?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Keeping the virus from replicating. The primary treatment goal for HIV is to maintain an undetectable viral load by inhibiting viral replication through antiretroviral therapy. This helps to prevent progression to AIDS and reduces the risk of transmission.
A: Stimulating the immune system is not the primary goal as HIV specifically targets and weakens the immune system.
B: Treating opportunistic infections is important but not the primary goal; it's a consequence of HIV-related immune suppression.
C: Killing the virus with medication is not entirely possible due to HIV's ability to integrate into host DNA; the focus is on viral suppression to prevent replication.