Core Concepts of Family Centered Care Related

Review Core Concepts of Family Centered Care related questions and content

The nurse is providing care to a patient who has had diagnostic testing for HIV. Which test should the nurse review to monitor the response to antiretroviral therapy?

  • A. Western blot
  • B. Viral load testing
  • C. P24 antigen testing
  • D. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Viral load testing. This test measures the amount of HIV RNA in the blood, reflecting the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in suppressing viral replication. Monitoring viral load helps assess treatment response and determine if adjustments are needed.

A: Western blot is used for confirming HIV infection, not for monitoring treatment response.
C: P24 antigen testing detects a protein associated with HIV infection but is not as sensitive as viral load testing for monitoring therapy.
D: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used for initial HIV screening, not for monitoring treatment response.