The primary host cell destroyed by HIV, causing progressive cellular immune deficiency.
CD4 cells and Helper T Cells
The level of infection control precautions required when caring for an HIV-positive client under general care.
Standard Precautions
The minimum strict adherence level required for ART to maintain suppression and prevent viral mutation or resistance.
90% Adherence
Fungal infection causing white, plaque-like lesions on the tongue and buccal mucosa
Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)
The initial immediate step a healthcare worker must take after an accidental needle stick exposure to HIV-contaminated blood.
Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water
A CD4 count dropping below this threshold (or the presence of an AIDS-defining illness) classifies an HIV infection as Stage 3 (AIDS).
200 cells/mm³
The evidence-based public health message establishing that an individual with a low viral load cannot transmit HIV sexually.
U = Undetectable
A metabolic side effect of long-term ART characterized by fat loss in the face/limbs and fat accumulation in the abdomen or dorsocervical pad
Lypodystrophy
An HHV-8-associated vascular tumor presenting as non-tender, purplish, or dark red skin/mucosal lesions.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Examples of Live Vaccines to be avoided if CD4 < 200
MMR, Varicella, Intranasal Flu
The clinical phase "stage" occurring 2 to 4 weeks post-exposure characterized by flu-like symptoms, high viral load, and temporary CD4 drop.
Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection
Emergency antiretroviral regimen that must be initiated within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure and continued for 28 days
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Standard initial ART regimens consist of:
3 active medications from at least 2 different drug classes to maximize viral suppression and prevent drug resistance mutations
Opportunistic viral infection occurring at CD4 counts < 50 that presents with floaters, blurred vision, and painless vision loss, risking permanent blindness.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis
Very accurate but more expensive antibody test, used to confirm preliminary positive
screening results.
Western Blot Test
The lab test measuring copies of HIV RNA per milliliter of blood, used as the primary indicator of ART effectiveness.
Viral Load (low = good)
Daily oral or bi-monthly injectable regimen taken by HIV-negative individuals at increased risk to prevent HIV acquisition.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
CD4 Count < 200 cells/mm³: Initiate daily Prophylaxis of what drug to prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)?
Bactrim
Tuberculosis - precaution and PPD skin testing
Airborne Precautions immediately if suspected
PPD induration ≥ 5 mm is considered POSITIVE in HIV-positive clients
Avoid contact with cat litter or bird droppings to prevent this?
Toxoplasmosis
The enzyme HIV uses to convert its single-stranded viral RNA into double-stranded viral DNA within the host cell cytoplasm.
The potential routes of transmission of HIV
Sexual, Parenteral (IV use), Perinatal, Occupational (needlestick)
Side Effects of HIV Medications?
Lipodystrophy, Hepatotoxicity, Neuropathy, Osteoporosis, Rashes, Hyperlipidemia, Hyperglycemia, Nephrotoxicity, Kidney Stones, N/V/D, Anemia
Involuntary loss of > 10% baseline body weight combined with chronic diarrhea, weakness, or fever > 30 days.
HIV Wasting Syndrome
Name teaching about degrading Latex? What to avoid using?
Petroleum based lubricants
Use water-based or silicone based lube only