Pathophysiology & Transmission
The primary target of HIV, leading to a compromised immune system.
What are CD4 T-cells?
Name three commonly associated opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS.
What are Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), candidiasis (thrush), and tuberculosis?
This is the most critical nursing priority for a patient with AIDS.
What is preventing and monitoring for infection?
This is the acronym for the combination of drugs used to treat HIV.
What is Antiretroviral therapy (ART)?
The nurse is teaching an HIV-positive patient about preventing transmission. This is the single most important behavior to prevent the spread.
What is the consistent and correct use of condoms?
Name the three primary routes of HIV transmission.
What are sexual contact, sharing of infected needles, and perinatal (mother-to-child)?
This is a potential neurological complication of advanced HIV, causing cognitive decline.
What is HIV-associated dementia (HAD)?
The nurse is caring for a patient with HIV and a low CD4 count. This teaching should be provided regarding food preparation and safety.
What is emphasize washing all produce, thoroughly cooking meat, and avoiding raw foods to prevent infection?
A patient starting ART asks why they must take multiple medications. This is the nurse's best response.
What is taking a combination of drugs to prevent drug resistance from developing?
A patient with HIV asks about vaccine recommendations. These are the vaccines that are particularly important for them.
What are the annual influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis A and B vaccines?
This is the term for the viral load when it lies dormant in a small number of cells within the bloodstream.
What is a viral reservoir even while at undetectable levels?
In a patient with AIDS, the nurse notes white, curd-like patches in the mouth. This is a common opportunistic infection caused by...
What is Candida albicans (oral candidiasis or thrush)?
The nurse is assessing a patient with HIV who is taking ART. The patient reports severe nausea. This is the appropriate nursing intervention.
What is assess the patient's adherence to the medication schedule, provide education on side effect management, and notify the healthcare provider?
This is the nurse's role in medication adherence which may cause resistance.
What is provide education, and explain potential side effects? Provider may change medication regimen, allowing for alterations in interventions.
This is the most critical aspect of adherence education for a patient on ART.
What is the importance of taking medication exactly as prescribed, at the same time every day, without missing a dose?
This is the difference between HIV and AIDS.
What is HIV being the virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS is the most advanced stage of the infection, diagnosed when the CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm³?
This is the reason an individual with AIDS might experience significant weight loss and wasting syndrome.
What includes decreased appetite, malabsorption, opportunistic infections, and increased metabolic needs?
This is the most important nursing intervention for a patient with HIV experiencing diarrhea?
What is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance and providing dietary modifications?
This is the difference between PrEP and PEP.
What is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is taken before potential exposure to prevent infection, while PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is taken after potential exposure?
The nurse should educate an HIV-positive patient that they can safely have pets as long as they take these specific precautions.
What is wear gloves when handling cat litter, avoid reptiles and exotic pets, and avoid contact with animal feces?
The role of the enzyme reverse transcriptase in the HIV life cycle.
What is converts the viral RNA into DNA, allowing it to integrate into the host cell's genetic material?
A patient with HIV presents with a purplish, nonblanchable rash on their skin. The nurse knows this could be a manifestation of this common cancer.
What is Kaposi's sarcoma?
This is the nursing care required for a patient with HIV-associated dementia (HAD).
What is provide a structured routine, use memory aids, ensure a safe environment, and use clear, simple language?
This is the common side effect of many ART regimens and can be managed by administering the medication with food.
What is nausea?
Describe two nursing interventions to address body image and self-esteem concerns for a patient with HIV/AIDS.
What are encouraging open communication about feelings, providing resources for support groups, and addressing physical changes like wasting syndrome?