Deck 35: HIV- and AIDS-Related Drugs

Question 1

The nurse is caring for a 55-year-old patient who has been HIV-infected for 15 years.The nurse understands that this patient

A)has an increased risk of transmitting the HIV infection.
B)is less likely to develop AIDS than younger persons with HIV infection.
C)is less likely to respond to antiretroviral agents.
D)may have comorbid illnesses that can complicate HIV.

Answer 1

may have comorbid illnesses that can complicate HIV.

Question 2

A patient with HIV infection has been receiving antiretroviral therapy for 2 months.At the initiation of treatment,the patient had a viral load (VL)of 60 copies/mL and a CD4 count of 450 cells/mm³.Today's lab results reveal a VL of 20 copies/mL and a CD4 cell count of 800 cells/mm³.How will the nurse interpret the patient's results?

A)A drug-resistant strain is likely.
B)The patient is progressing as expected.
C)The patient's treatment goals have been met.
D)Treatment failure has occurred.

Answer 2

The patient is progressing as expected.

Question 3

A patient who has HIV infection will begin treatment with efavirenz.The nurse expects this agent to be given in the combination product Atripla in order to

A)avoid development of psychiatric comorbidities.
B)prevent dizziness,sedation,and nightmares.
C)reduce viral resistance.
D)prevent severe rash and hepatotoxicity.

Answer 3

reduce viral resistance.

Question 4

A patient who is newly diagnosed with HIV infection after a recent exposure calls to report fever,sore throat,myalgia,and night sweats.The nurse will notify the provider that this patient is most likely experiencing

A)acute retroviral syndrome.
B)AIDS.
C)an increased viral load.
D)an opportunistic infection.

Question 5

A patient who is HIV-infected takes 800 mg of indinavir (Crixivan),a protease inhibitor medication.The provider has ordered adding ritonavir (Norvir)to the regimen.The nurse will teach the patient that the addition of ritonavir

A)allows decreasing the dosing from 3 times daily to twice daily.
B)can lead to increased cholesterol and triglycerides.
C)may worsen insulin resistance.
D)will require increased dietary restrictions.

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a patient who is HIV-positive and has been receiving antiretroviral therapy for several months.The nurse experiences a needlestick injury resulting in exposure to the patient's blood.The nurse asks the Occupational Health nurse if treatment is necessary.How will the Occupational Health nurse respond?

A)"No treatment is necessary since the patient is receiving antiretroviral therapy."
B)"We will treat you if the patient's VL is > 20 copies/mL."
C)"You will require 4 weeks of antiretroviral therapy."
D)"You will undergo HIV testing and will be treated if you are positive."

Question 7

A patient who is HIV-positive begins therapy with the fixed-dose combination nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)Combivir (lamivudine/zidovudine)twice daily.The patient is in the clinic for follow-up 1 week after initiation of therapy and reports having nausea.The patient's creatinine clearance is 40 mL/minute.Based on these findings,the nurse will perform which action?

A)Instruct the patient to take the medication 60 minutes prior to meals.
B)Notify the provider to discuss single-dose NRTI products.
C)Request an order for once-daily dosing of this medication.
D)Suggest that the patient increase fluid intake.

Question 8

A pregnant patient is HIV-positive.Which antiretroviral agent will the nurse expect the patient's provider to order?

A)Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine (Trizivir)
B)Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir (Atripla)
C)Lamivudine/zidovudine (Combivir)
D)Rilpivirine/emtricitabine/tenofovir (Complera)

Question 9

A patient who has recently begun antiretroviral therapy with a combination drug develops immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)with mild symptoms.What does the nurse expect that the provider will order?

A)Administration of a high dose of corticosteroids
B)Changing the regimen to a single antiretroviral drug
C)Temporarily discontinuing the antiretroviral therapy
D)Treating an underlying opportunistic infection

Question 10

A patient will begin taking the protease inhibitor combination Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir).What information will the nurse include when teaching the patient about dietary changes?

A)Consume a low-cholesterol diet.
B)Consume more acidic foods.
C)Take the pill on an empty stomach.
D)Take the pill with fatty foods.

Question 11

A patient who will begin antiretroviral therapy reports having trouble sticking with drug regimens in the past.Which action will the nurse take?

A)Ask the patient's family members to administer the medications.
B)Avoid discussing adverse effects to prevent focus on negative aspects of ART.
C)Give a detailed list of medications and stress the need to adhere to the schedule.
D)Offer written and verbal information about each drug's purpose.