HIV transmission and prevention
This body fluid contains the highest concentration of HIV.
What is blood? Rationale: Blood has the greatest viral load, making it the most efficient transmission route.
his early stage of HIV often presents with flu‑like symptoms 2–4 weeks after exposure.
What is acute HIV infection? Rationale: High viral load and rapid CD4 drop cause systemic symptoms.
What is an opportunistic infection? Rationale: Occurs when immune system is severely compromised.
What is the antigen/antibody combination test?
Rationale: Detects p24 antigen before antibodies form.
ART therapy always includes at least this many antiretroviral drugs.
What is two?
Rationale: Combination therapy prevents resistance.
HIV‑positive pregnant clients can deliver vaginally only if this lab value is low.
What is the viral load? Rationale: Viral load <1,000 allows safe vaginal delivery.
This type of condom should never be used for HIV prevention.
What is a lambskin condom?
Rationale: Lambskin is porous and does not block viral particles.
This stage can last 10+ years with few or no symptoms.
What is chronic HIV (clinical latency)?
Rationale: Viral set point stabilizes; immune system partially controls replication.
This lab value drops rapidly during acute HIV infection.
What is the CD4 count? Rationale: HIV targets CD4 T‑cells, causing early decline.
Many antiretrovirals cause toxicity in this organ, requiring monitoring.
What is the liver?
Rationale: Hepatotoxicity is a common ART complication.
This feeding method is contraindicated for HIV‑positive mothers.
What is breastfeeding?
Rationale: HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.
This medication strategy protects HIV‑negative partners in serodiscordant relationships.
What is PrEP?
Rationale: Pre‑exposure prophylaxis reduces acquisition risk when taken consistently.
A CD4 count below this value meets criteria for AIDS.
What is 200?
Rationale: CD4 <200 or opportunistic infection = AIDS diagnosis.
This measure reflects the amount of HIV RNA circulating in the blood.
What is the viral load?
Rationale: Indicates replication activity and treatment response.
This common ART side effect may require a BRAT diet and small frequent meals.
What is diarrhea?
Rationale: GI upset is frequent with ART regimens.
Newborns of HIV‑positive mothers receive this type of medication after birth.
What is antiretroviral prophylaxis?
Rationale: Reduces risk of vertical transmission
HIV can be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, or this postpartum activity.
What is breastfeeding?
Rationale: Breast milk contains HIV; breastfeeding is contraindicated.
This term describes the stable level of HIV in the blood during chronic infection.
What is the viral set point? Rationale: Represents equilibrium between viral replication and immune response.
This test is used to confirm HIV after a positive screening test.
What is an HIV differentiation assay?
Rationale: Replaced Western blot; distinguishes HIV‑1 vs HIV‑2.
This fungal infection of the mouth is common in clients with low CD4 counts.
What is oral candidiasis (thrush)?
Rationale: Immunosuppression increases fungal overgrowth.
This type of HIV test is used for newborns because maternal antibodies cross the placenta.
What is an HIV RNA PCR test? Rationale: Detects viral RNA directly, not maternal antibodies.
This harm‑reduction strategy decreases HIV spread among people who inject drugs.
What are needle‑exchange programs? Rationale: Clean needles reduce blood‑borne transmission.
This type of infection, such as toxoplasmosis, signals progression to AIDS.
What is an opportunistic infection?
Rationale: Occurs when immune system is severely compromised.
A client with HIV has chronic diarrhea and weight loss. This electrolyte is most likely low.
What is potassium?
Rationale: Diarrhea causes potassium loss → risk of arrhythmias.
Missing ART doses increases the risk of this major complication.
What is drug resistance?
Rationale: Inconsistent therapy allows viral mutation and treatment failure.
This is the most important factor in preventing perinatal HIV transmission.
What is maternal adherence to ART?
Rationale: Consistent ART dramatically reduces viral load and transmission risk.