ch.15: HIV & AIDS – Flashcards
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A patient who has vague symptoms of fatigue, headaches, and a positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test. What instructions should the nurse give to this patient? a. "The EIA test will need to be repeated to verify the results." b. "A viral culture will be done to determine the progression of the disease." c. "It will probably be 10 or more years before you develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)." d. "The Western blot test will be done to determine whether acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has developed."
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ANS: A After an initial positive EIA test, the EIA is repeated before more specific testing such as the Western blot is done. Viral cultures are not usually part of HIV testing. It is not appropriate for the nurse to predict the time frame for AIDS development. The Western blot tests for HIV antibodies, not for AIDS. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 236 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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A patient who has a positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies is admitted to the hospital with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 200 cells/mL. Based on diagnostic criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which statement by the nurse is correct? a. "The patient meets the criteria for a diagnosis of an acute HIV infection." b. "The patient will be diagnosed with asymptomatic chronic HIV infection." c. "The patient has developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)." d. "The patient will develop symptomatic chronic HIV infection in less than a year."
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ANS: C Development of PCP meets the diagnostic criterion for AIDS. The other responses indicate earlier stages of HIV infection than is indicated by the PCP infection. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 235 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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A patient with a positive rapid antibody test result for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is anxious and does not appear to hear what the nurse is saying. What action by the nurse is most important at this time? a. Teach the patient about the medications available for treatment. b. Inform the patient how to protect sexual and needle-sharing partners. c. Remind the patient about the need to return for retesting to verify the results. d. Ask the patient to notify individuals who have had risky contact with the patient.
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ANS: C After an initial positive antibody test, the next step is retesting to confirm the results. A patient who is anxious is not likely to be able to take in new information or be willing to disclose information about HIV status of other individuals. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 235-236 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
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A patient who is diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) tells the nurse, "I feel obsessed with thoughts about dying. Do you think I am just being morbid?" Which response by the nurse is best? a. "Thinking about dying will not improve the course of AIDS." b. "It is important to focus on the good things about your life now." c. "Do you think that taking an antidepressant might be helpful to you?" d. "Can you tell me more about the kind of thoughts that you are having?"
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ANS: D More assessment of the patient's psychosocial status is needed before taking any other action. The statements, "Thinking about dying will not improve the course of AIDS" and "It is important to focus on the good things in life" discourage the patient from sharing any further information with the nurse and decrease the nurse's ability to develop a trusting relationship with the patient. Although antidepressants may be helpful, the initial action should be further assessment of the patient's feelings. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 241 | 244 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
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A pregnant woman with a history of asymptomatic chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is seen at the clinic. The patient states, "I am very nervous about making my baby sick." Which information will the nurse include when teaching the patient? a. The antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infection are teratogenic. b. Most infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not infected with the virus. c. Because she is at an early stage of HIV infection, the infant will not contract HIV. d. It is likely that her newborn will become infected with HIV unless she uses antiretroviral therapy (ART).
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ANS: B Only 25% of infants born to HIV-positive mothers develop HIV infection, even when the mother does not use ART during pregnancy. The percentage drops to 2% when ART is used. Perinatal transmission can occur at any stage of HIV infection (although it is less likely to occur when the viral load is lower). ART can safely be used in pregnancy, although some ART drugs should be avoided. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 232 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Which patient exposure by the nurse is most likely to require postexposure prophylaxis when the patient's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status is unknown? a. Needle stick with a needle and syringe used to draw blood b. Splash into the eyes when emptying a bedpan containing stool c. Contamination of open skin lesions with patient vaginal secretions d. Needle stick injury with a suture needle during a surgical procedure
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ANS: A Puncture wounds are the most common means for workplace transmission of blood-borne diseases, and a needle with a hollow bore that had been contaminated with the patient's blood would be a high-risk situation. The other situations described would be much less likely to result in transmission of the virus. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 232 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
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A young adult female patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive has a new prescription for efavirenz (Sustiva). Which information is most important to include in the medication teaching plan? a. Driving is allowed when starting this medication. b. Report any bizarre dreams to the health care provider. c. Continue to use contraception while on this medication. d. Take this medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
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ANS: C Efavirenz can cause fetal anomalies and should not be used in patients who may be pregnant. The drug should not be used during pregnancy because large doses could cause fetal anomalies. Once-a-day doses should be taken at bedtime (at least initially) to help patients cope with the side effects that include dizziness and confusion. Patients should be cautioned about driving when starting this drug. Patients should be informed that many people who use the drug have reported vivid and sometimes bizarre dreams. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 238 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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A patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected has a CD4+ cell count of 400/µL. Which factor is most important for the nurse to determine before the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for this patient? a. HIV genotype and phenotype b. Patient's social support system c. Potential medication side effects d. Patient's ability to comply with ART schedule
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ANS: D Drug resistance develops quickly unless the patient takes ART medications on a strict, regular schedule. In addition, drug resistance endangers both the patient and the community. The other information is also important to consider, but patients who are unable to manage and follow a complex drug treatment regimen should not be considered for ART. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 242 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The nurse will most likely prepare a medication teaching plan about antiretroviral therapy (ART) for which patient? a. Patient who is currently HIV negative but has unprotected sex with multiple partners b. Patient who was infected with HIV 15 years ago and now has a CD4+ count of 840/µL c. HIV-positive patient with a CD4+ count of 160/µL who drinks a fifth of whiskey daily d. Patient who tested positive for HIV 2 years ago and now has cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis
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ANS: D CMV retinitis is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illness and indicates that the patient is appropriate for ART even though the HIV infection period is relatively short. An HIV-negative patient would not be offered ART. A patient with a CD4+ count in the normal range would not typically be started on ART. A patient who drinks alcohol heavily would be unlikely to be able to manage the complex drug regimen and would not be appropriate for ART despite the low CD4+ count. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 235 OBJ: Special Questions: Multiple Patients TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The nurse palpates enlarged cervical lymph nodes on a patient diagnosed with acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to take? a. Instruct the patient to apply ice to the neck. b. Advise the patient that this is probably the flu. c. Explain to the patient that this is an expected finding. d. Request that an antibiotic be prescribed for the patient.
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ANS: C Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy is common in the early stages of HIV infection. No antibiotic is needed because the enlarged nodes are probably not caused by bacteria. Applying ice to the neck may provide comfort, but the initial action is to reassure the patient this is an expected finding. Lymphadenopathy is common with acute HIV infection and is therefore not likely the flu. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 234 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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Which information would be most important to help the nurse determine if the patient needs human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing? a. Patient age b. Patient lifestyle c. Patient symptoms d. Patient sexual orientation
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ANS: A The current Center for Disease Control (CDC) policy is to offer routine testing for HIV to all individuals age 13 to 64. Although lifestyle, symptoms, and sexual orientation may suggest increased risk for HIV infection, the goal is to test all individuals in this age range. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 241 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
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A patient who uses injectable illegal drugs asks the nurse about preventing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which response by the nurse is best? a. "Avoid sexual intercourse when using injectable drugs." b. "It is important to participate in a needle-exchange program." c. "You should ask those who share equipment to be tested for HIV." d. "I recommend cleaning drug injection equipment before each use."
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ANS: B Participation in needle-exchange programs has been shown to decrease and control the rate of HIV infection. Cleaning drug equipment before use also reduces risk, but it might not be consistently practiced. HIV antibodies do not appear for several weeks to months after exposure, so testing drug users would not be very effective in reducing risk for HIV exposure. It is difficult to make appropriate decisions about sexual activity when under the influence of drugs. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 240 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Which nursing action will be most useful in assisting a college student to adhere to a newly prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen? a. Give the patient detailed information about possible medication side effects. b. Remind the patient of the importance of taking the medications as scheduled. c. Encourage the patient to join a support group for students who are HIV positive. d. Check the patient's class schedule to help decide when the drugs should be taken.
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ANS: D The best approach to improve adherence is to learn about important activities in the patient's life and adjust the ART around those activities. The other actions also are useful, but they will not improve adherence as much as individualizing the ART to the patient's schedule. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 242 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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14. A patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has developed Mycobacterium avium complex infection. Which outcome would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care? a. The patient will be free from injury. b. The patient will receive immunizations c. The patient will have adequate oxygenation. d. The patient will maintain intact perineal skin.
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ANS: D The major manifestation of M. avium infection is loose, watery stools, which would increase the risk for perineal skin breakdown. The other outcomes would be appropriate for other complications (pneumonia, dementia, influenza, etc.) associated with HIV infection. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 236 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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A patient treated for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection for 6 years has developed fat redistribution to the trunk, with wasting of the arms, legs, and face. What instructions will the nurse give to the patient? a. Review foods that are higher in protein. b. Teach about the benefits of daily exercise. c. Discuss a change in antiretroviral therapy. d. Talk about treatment with antifungal agents.
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ANS: C A frequent first intervention for metabolic disorders is a change in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Treatment with antifungal agents would not be appropriate because there is no indication of fungal infection. Changes in diet or exercise have not proven helpful for this problem. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 243 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The nurse prepares to administer the following medications to a hospitalized patient with human immunodeficiency (HIV). Which medication is most important to administer at the right time? a. Oral acyclovir (Zovirax) b. Oral saquinavir (Invirase) c. Nystatin (Mycostatin) tablet d. Aerosolized pentamidine (NebuPent)
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ANS: B It is important that antiretrovirals be taken at the prescribed time every day to avoid developing drug-resistant HIV. The other medications should also be given as close as possible to the correct time, but they are not as essential to receive at the same time every day. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 237 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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To evaluate the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which laboratory test result will the nurse review? a. Viral load testing b. Enzyme immunoassay c. Rapid HIV antibody testing d. Immunofluorescence assay
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ANS: A The effectiveness of ART is measured by the decrease in the amount of virus detectable in the blood. The other tests are used to detect HIV antibodies, which remain positive even with effective ART. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 241 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The nurse cares for a patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Which information is most important for the nurse to address when planning care? a. The patient's blood glucose level is 142 mg/dL. b. The patient complains of feeling "constantly tired." c. The patient is unable to state the side effects of the medications. d. The patient states, "Sometimes I miss a dose of zidovudine (AZT)."
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ANS: D Because missing doses of ART can lead to drug resistance, this patient statement indicates the need for interventions such as teaching or changes in the drug scheduling. Elevated blood glucose and fatigue are common side effects of ART. The nurse should discuss medication side effects with the patient, but this is not as important as addressing the skipped doses of AZT. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 242 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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Eight years after seroconversion, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient has a CD4+ cell count of 800/µL and an undetectable viral load. What is the priority nursing intervention at this time? a. Teach about the effects of antiretroviral agents. b. Encourage adequate nutrition, exercise, and sleep. c. Discuss likelihood of increased opportunistic infections. d. Monitor for symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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ANS: B The CD4+ level for this patient is in the normal range, indicating that the patient is the stage of asymptomatic chronic infection, when the body is able to produce enough CD4+ cells to maintain a normal CD4+ count. AIDS and increased incidence of opportunistic infections typically develop when the CD4+ count is much lower than normal. Although the initiation of ART is highly individual, it would not be likely that a patient with a normal CD4+ level would receive ART. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 234 | 242 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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Which of these patients being seen at the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic should the nurse assess first? a. Patient whose latest CD4+ count is 250/µL b. Patient whose rapid HIV-antibody test is positive c. Patient who has had 10 liquid stools in the last 24 hours d. Patient who has nausea from prescribed antiretroviral drugs
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ANS: C The nurse should assess the patient for dehydration and hypovolemia. The other patients also will require assessment and possible interventions, but do not require immediate action to prevent complications such as hypovolemia and shock. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 242 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization; Multiple Patients TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
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An older adult who takes medications for coronary artery disease has just been diagnosed with asymptomatic chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Which information will the nurse include in patient teaching? a. Many medications have interactions with antiretroviral drugs. b. Less frequent CD4+ level monitoring is needed in older adults. c. Hospice care is available for patients with terminal HIV infection. d. Progression of HIV infection occurs more rapidly in older patients.
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ANS: A The nurse will teach the patient about potential interactions between antiretrovirals and the medications that the patient is using for chronic health problems. Treatment and monitoring of HIV infection is not affected by age. A patient with asymptomatic HIV infection is not a candidate for hospice. Progression of HIV is not affected by age, although it may be affected by chronic disease. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 237 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The registered nurse (RN) caring for an HIV-positive patient admitted with tuberculosis can delegate which action to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Teach the patient about how to use tissues to dispose of respiratory secretions. b. Stock the patient's room with all the necessary personal protective equipment. c. Interview the patient to obtain the names of family members and close contacts. d. Tell the patient's family members the reason for the use of airborne precautions.
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ANS: B A patient diagnosed with tuberculosis would be placed on airborne precautions. Because all health care workers are taught about the various types of infection precautions used in the hospital, the UAP can safely stock the room with personal protective equipment. Obtaining contact information and patient teaching are higher-level skills that require RN education and scope of practice. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 230-231 OBJ: Special Questions: Delegation TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
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The nurse designs a program to decrease the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the adolescent and young adult populations. Which information should the nurse assign as the highest priority? a. Methods to prevent perinatal HIV transmission b. Ways to sterilize needles used by injectable drug users c. Prevention of HIV transmission between sexual partners d. Means to prevent transmission through blood transfusions
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ANS: C Sexual transmission is the most common way that HIV is transmitted. The nurse should also provide teaching about perinatal transmission, needle sterilization, and blood transfusion, but the rate of HIV infection associated with these situations is lower. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 232 OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
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The nurse cares for a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who has just been diagnosed with asymptomatic chronic HIV infection. Which prophylactic measures will the nurse include in the plan of care (select all that apply)? a. Hepatitis B vaccine b. Pneumococcal vaccine c.Influenza virus vaccine d. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole e. Varicella zoster immune globulin
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ANS: A, B, C Asymptomatic chronic HIV infection is a stage between acute HIV infection and a diagnosis of symptomatic chronic HIV infection. Although called asymptomatic, symptoms (e.g., fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, night sweats) often occur. Prevention of other infections is an important intervention in patients who are HIV positive, and these vaccines are recommended as soon as the HIV infection is diagnosed. Antibiotics and immune globulin are used to prevent and treat infections that occur later in the course of the disease when the CD4+ counts have dropped or when infection has occurred. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 238 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Transmission of HIV from an infected individual to another most commonly occurs as a result of a. unprotected anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. b. low levels of virus in the blood and high levels of CD4+ T cells. c. transmission from mother to infant during labor and delivery and breastfeeding. d. sharing of drug-using equipment, including needles, syringes, pipes, and straws.
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Correct answer: a Rationale: Unprotected sexual contact (semen, vaginal secretions, or blood) with a partner infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most common mode of HIV transmission.
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During HIV infection a. the virus replicates mainly in B-cells before spreading to CD4+ T cells. b. infection of monocytes may occur, but antibodies quickly destroy these cells. c. the immune system is impaired predominantly by the eventual widespread destruction of CD4+ T cells. d. a long period of dormancy develops during which HIV cannot be found in the blood and there is little viral replication.
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Correct answer: c Rationale: Immune dysfunction in HIV disease is caused predominantly by damage to and destruction of CD4+ T cells (i.e., T helper cells or CD4+ T lymphocytes).
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Which statements accurately describe HIV infection (select all that apply)? a. Untreated HIV infection has a predictable pattern of progression. b. Late chronic HIV infection is called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). c. Untreated HIV infection can remain in the early chronic stage for a decade or more. d. Untreated HIV infection usually remains in the early chronic stage for 1 year or less. e. Opportunistic diseases occur more often when the CD4+ T cell count is high and the viral load is low.
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Correct answers: a, b, c Rationale: The typical course of untreated HIV infection follows a predictable pattern. However, treatment can significantly alter this pattern, and disease progression is highly individualized. Late chronic infection is another term for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The median interval between untreated HIV infection and a diagnosis of AIDS is about 11 years.
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A diagnosis of AIDS is made when an HIV-infected patient has a. a CD4+ T cell count below 200/µL. b. a high level of HIV in the blood and saliva. c. lipodystrophy with metabolic abnormalities. d. oral hairy leukoplakia, an infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus.
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Correct answer: a Rationale: AIDS is diagnosed when an individual with HIV infection meets one of several criteria; one criterion is a CD4+ T cell count below 200 cells/L. Other criteria are listed in Table 15-9.
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Screening for HIV infection generally involves a. laboratory analysis of blood to detect HIV antigen. b. electrophoretic analysis for HIV antigen in plasma. c. laboratory analysis of blood to detect HIV antibodies. d. analysis of lymph tissues for the presence of HIV RNA.
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Correct answer: c Rationale: The most useful screening tests for HIV detect HIV-specific antibodies.
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Antiretroviral drugs are used to a. cure acute HIV infection. b. decrease viral RNA levels. c. treat opportunistic diseases. d. decrease pain and symptoms in terminal disease.
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Correct answer: b Rationale: The goals of drug therapy in HIV infection are to (1) decrease the viral load, (2) maintain or raise CD4+ T cell counts, and (3) delay onset of HIV infection-related symptoms and opportunistic diseases.
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Opportunistic diseases in HIV infection a. are usually benign. b. are generally slow to develop and progress. c. occur in the presence of immunosuppression. d. are curable with appropriate drug interventions.
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Correct answer: c Rationale: Management of HIV infection is complicated by the many opportunistic diseases that can develop as the immune system deteriorates (see Table 15-10).
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Which statement about metabolic side effects of ART is true (select all that apply)? a. These are annoying symptoms that are ultimately harmless. b. ART-related body changes include central fat accumulation and peripheral wasting. c. Lipid abnormalities include increases in triglycerides and decreases in high-density cholesterol. d. Insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia can be treated with drugs to control glucose and cholesterol. e. Compared to uninfected people, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia are more difficult to treat in HIV-infected patients.
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Correct answers: b, c, d Rationale: Some HIV-infected patients, especially those who have been infected and have received ART for a long time, develop a set of metabolic disorders that include changes in body shape (e.g., fat deposits in the abdomen, upper back, and breasts along with fat loss in the arms, legs, and face) as a result of lipodystrophy, hyperlipidemia (i.e., elevated triglyceride levels and decreases in high-density lipoprotein levels), insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis, osteopenia, avascular necrosis), lactic acidosis, and cardiovascular disease.
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Which strategy can the nurse teach the patient to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission? a. Using sterile equipment to inject drugs b. Cleaning equipment used to inject drugs c. Taking zidovudine (AZT, ZDV, Retrovir) during pregnancy d. Using latex or polyurethane barriers to cover genitalia during sexual contact
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Correct answer: a Rationale: Access to sterile equipment is an important risk-elimination tactic. Some communities have needle and syringe exchange programs (NSEPs) that provide sterile equipment to users in exchange for used equipment. Cleaning equipment before use is a risk-reducing activity. It decreases the risk when equipment is shared, but it takes time, and a person in drug withdrawal may have difficulty cleaning equipment.
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What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help an HIV-infected patient adhere to a treatment regimen? a. "Set up" a drug pillbox for the patient every week. b. Give the patient a video and a brochure to view and read at home. c. Tell the patient that the side effects of the drugs are bad but that they go away after a while. d. Assess the patient's routines and find adherence cues that fit into the patient's life circumstances.
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Correct answer: d Rationale: The best approach to improve adherence to a treatment regimen is to learn about the patient's life and assist with problem solving within the confines of that life.
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The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with HIV. The patient asks what would determine the actual development of AIDS. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that what is a diagnostic criterion for AIDS? a. Presence of HIV antibodies b. CD4+ T cell count below 200/µL c. Presence of oral hairy leukoplakia d. White blood cell count below 5000/µL
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Correct answer: b Diagnostic criteria for AIDS include a CD4+ T cell count below 200/µL and/or the development of specified opportunistic infections, cancers, wasting syndrome, or dementia. The other options may be found in patients with HIV disease but do not define the advancement of HIV infection to AIDS.
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When teaching a patient infected with HIV regarding transmission of the virus to others, which statement made by the patient would indicate a need for further teaching? a. "I will need to isolate any tissues I use so as not to infect my family." b. "I will notify all of my sexual partners so they can get tested for HIV." c. "Unprotected sexual contact is the most common mode of transmission." d. "I do not need to worry about spreading this virus to others by sweating at the gym."
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Correct answer: a HIV is not spread casually. The virus cannot be transmitted through hugging, dry kissing, shaking hands, sharing eating utensils, using toilet seats, or attending school with an HIV-infected person. It is not transmitted through tears, saliva, urine, emesis, sputum, feces, or sweat.
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The nurse is providing care for a patient who has been living with HIV for several years. Which assessment finding most clearly indicates an acute exacerbation of the disease? a. A new onset of polycythemia b. Presence of mononucleosis-like symptoms c. A sharp decrease in the patient's CD4+ count d. A sudden increase in the patient's WBC count
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Correct answer: c A decrease in CD4+ count signals an exacerbation of the severity of HIV. Polycythemia is not characteristic of the course of HIV. A patient's WBC count is very unlikely to suddenly increase, with decreases being typical. Mononucleosis-like symptoms such as malaise, headache, and fatigue are typical of early HIV infection and seroconversion.
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A pregnant woman who was tested and diagnosed with HIV infection is very upset. What should the nurse teach this patient about her baby's risk of being born with HIV infection? a. "The baby will probably be infected with HIV." b. "Only an abortion will keep your baby from having HIV." c. "Treatment with antiretroviral therapy will decrease the baby's chance of HIV infection." d. "The duration and frequency of contact with the organism will determine if the baby gets HIV infection."
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Correct answer: c On average, 25% of infants born to women with untreated HIV will be born with HIV. The risk of transmission is reduced to less than 2% if the infected pregnant woman is treated with antiretroviral therapy. Duration and frequency of contact with the HIV organism is one variable that influences whether transmission of HIV occurs. Volume, virulence, and concentration of the organism as well as host immune status are variables related to transmission via blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk.
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A 25-year-old male patient has been diagnosed with HIV. The patient does not want to take more than one antiretroviral drug. What reasons can the nurse tell the patient about for taking more than one drug? a. Together they will cure HIV. b. Viral replication will be inhibited. c. They will decrease CD4+ T cell counts. d. It will prevent interaction with other drugs.
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Correct answer: b The major advantage of using several classes of antiretroviral drugs is that viral replication can be inhibited in several ways, making it more difficult for the virus to recover and decreasing the likelihood of drug resistance that is a major problem with monotherapy. Combination therapy also delays disease progression and decreases HIV symptoms and opportunistic diseases. HIV cannot be cured. CD4+ T cell counts increase with therapy. There are dangerous interactions with many antiretroviral drugs and other commonly used drugs.
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The woman is afraid she may get HIV from her bisexual husband. What should the nurse include when teaching her about preexposure prophylaxis (select all that apply)? a. Take fluconazole (Diflucan). b. Take amphotericin B (Fungizone). c. Use condoms for risk-reducing sexual relations. d. Take emtricitabine and tenofovir (Truvada) regularly. e. Have regular HIV testing for herself and her husband.
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Correct answer: c, d, e Using male or female condoms, having monthly HIV testing for the patient and her husband, and the woman taking emtricitabine and tenofovir regularly has shown to decrease the infection of heterosexual women having sex with a partner who participates in high-risk behavior. Fluconazole and amphotericin B are taken for Candida albicans, Coccidioides immitis, and Cryptococcosus neoformans, which are all opportunistic diseases associate with HIV infection.
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The nurse was accidently stuck with a needle used on an HIV-positive patient. After reporting this, what care should this nurse first receive? a. Personal protective equipment b. Combination antiretroviral therapy c. Counseling to report blood exposures d. A negative evaluation by the manager
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Correct answer: b Postexposure prophylaxis with combination antiretroviral therapy can significantly decrease the risk of infection. Personal protective equipment should be available although it may not have stopped this needle stick. The needle stick has been reported. The negative evaluation may or may not be needed but would not occur first.
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The patient is admitted to the ED with fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, headache, malaise, joint pain, and diarrhea. What nursing measures will help identify the need for further assessment of the cause of this patient's manifestations (select all that apply)? a. Assessment of lung sounds b. Assessment of sexual behavior Correct c. Assessment of living conditions d. Assessment of drug and syringe use Correct e. Assessment of exposure to an ill person
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Correct answer: b, d With these symptoms, assessing this patient's sexual behavior and possible exposure to shared drug equipment will identify if further assessment for the HIV virus should be made or the manifestations are from some other illness (e.g., lung sounds and living conditions may indicate further testing for TB).
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The HIV-infected patient is taught health promotion activities including good nutrition; avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and exposure to infectious agents; keeping up to date with vaccines; getting adequate rest; and stress management. What is the rationale behind these interventions that the nurse knows? a. Delaying disease progression b. Preventing disease transmission c. Helping to cure the HIV infection d. Enabling an increase in self-care activities
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Correct answer: a These health promotion activities along with mental health counseling, support groups, and a therapeutic relationship with health care providers will promote a healthy immune system, which may delay disease progression. These measures will not cure HIV infection, prevent disease transmission, or increase self-care activities.
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The nurse is providing postoperative care for a 30-year-old female patient after an appendectomy. The patient has tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). What type of precautions should the nurse observe to prevent the transmission of this disease? a. Droplet precautions b. Contact precautions c. Airborne precautions d. Standard precautions
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Correct answer: d Standard precautions are indicated for prevention of transmission of HIV to the health care worker. HIV is not transmitted by casual contact or respiratory droplets. HIV may be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner, exposure to HIV-infected blood or blood products, and perinatal transmission during pregnancy, at delivery, or though breastfeeding.
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A 52-year-old female patient was exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 2 weeks ago through sharing needles with other substance users. What symptoms will the nurse teach the patient to report that would indicate the patient has developed an acute HIV infection? a. Cough, diarrhea, headaches, blurred vision, muscle fatigue b. Night sweats, fatigue, fever, and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy c. Oropharyngeal candidiasis or thrush, vaginal candidal infection, or oral or genital herpes d. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, nausea, or diarrhea
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Correct answer: d Clinical manifestations of an acute infection with HIV include flu-like symptoms between 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. Early chronic HIV infection clinical manifestations are either asymptomatic or include fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, night sweats, and persistent generalized lympadenopathy. Intermediate chronic HIV infection clinical manifestations include candidal infections, shingles, oral or genital herpes, bacterial infections, Kaposi sarcoma, or oral hairy leukoplakia. Late chronic HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) includes opportunistic diseases (infections and cancer).
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The nurse is monitoring the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a 56-year-old man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). What laboratory study result indicates the medications have been effective? a. Increased viral load b. Decreased neutrophil count c. Increased CD4+ T cell count d. Decreased white blood cell count
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Correct answer: c Antiretroviral therapy is effective if there are decreased viral loads and increased CD4+ T cell counts.
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A 62-year-old patient has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and the viral load is reported as undetectable. What patient teaching should be provided by the nurse related to this laboratory study result? a. The patient has the virus present and can transmit the infection to others. b. The patient is not able to transmit the virus to others through sexual contact. c. The patient will be prescribed lower doses of antiretroviral medications for 2 months. d. The syndrome has been cured, and the patient will be able to discontinue all medications.
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Correct answer: a In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, viral loads are reported as real numbers of copies/μL or as undetectable. "Undetectable" indicates that the viral load is lower than the test is able to report. "Undetectable" does not mean that the virus has been eliminated from the body or that the individual can no longer transmit HIV to others.
