Question 1

An individual diagnosed with HIV currently has a very low T-cell count and is unable to fight infection. Which stage of HIV would this person most likely be in?

Accepted Answer

A low T-cell count is indicative of advanced HIV infection, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). At this stage, the immune system is severely damaged and unable to fight off infections and illnesses.

Question 2

An OTA is working with a client who is experiencing peripheral neuropathy due to antiretroviral therapy. Which technique would be most beneficial for this client in terms of showering?

Accepted Answer

Use a thermometer to determine safe water temperature.

Question 3

A client diagnosed with HIV is beginning antiretroviral therapy. Which of the following should the OTA monitor as a part of the client's treatment?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of antiretroviral therapy and can impact the client's ability to perform activities of daily living. Weight gain, constipation, and depression/anxiety are not typically associated with antiretroviral therapy.

Question 4

An OTA is working with a client who has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Which of the following would this individual most likely be diagnosed with?

Accepted Answer

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organs and tissues throughout the body. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, and fatigue, and is most commonly diagnosed in women of childbearing age.

Question 5

An OTA is working with an individual who is experiencing fatigue as a side effect of antiretroviral therapy. What can the OTA do to best assist this client in the task of performing laundry?

Accepted Answer

Placing a table by the washer will reduce the need for bending or reaching, making it easier for the client to measure detergent and sort clothes. This accommodation can help to conserve energy and reduce fatigue. Washing all laundry in one large load or putting all of the laundry for the week into a large bag may also be helpful, but these options are not specific to the task of measuring and sorting laundry. Practicing going to the laundromat may not be necessary or feasible for the client.

Question 6

An OTA is beginning a new career working with clients living with HIV/AIDS. What would be the first step that the OTA can take when determining best practice for this population?

Accepted Answer

Reading articles in a peer-reviewed journal would be the most reliable and evidence-based way for the OTA to determine best practice for working with clients living with HIV/AIDS. Blogs and documentaries can provide helpful information and personal perspectives, but they may not necessarily be based on scientific evidence. Advocacy events, such as parades, are important for raising awareness, but they do not provide information on best practice for working with clients living with HIV/AIDS.

Question 7

A client is experiencing muscle weakness as her diagnosis of HIV progresses. Which of the following would be utilizing a compensatory approach to assist this client?

Accepted Answer

Using a raised toilet seat is a compensatory approach as it directly addresses the client's current limitations by modifying the environment to make daily activities easier without changing the client's physical condition.

Question 8

Why might an OTA consider looking into a research article to gather information for treatment of a client living with HIV/AIDS?

Accepted Answer

An OTA may consider looking into a research article to gather information for treatment of a client living with HIV/AIDS because the article may discuss themes that emerge when working with this population, thus helping to structure intervention planning. This can provide valuable insights and help the OTA to tailor their interventions to the specific needs of the client. Option B is partially correct, but it is not the best choice because the focus should be on the specific client's needs and not just general interventions. Option C is incorrect because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment for clients with HIV/AIDS. Option D is also incorrect because while statistics can be helpful, they do not provide the same level of insight as a research article.

Question 9

An individual diagnosed with HIV is reluctant to reveal this information to anyone. Why might this individual have difficulty giving this information to caregivers?

Accepted Answer

Many people still associate HIV with risky behavior and negative stereotypes, leading to discrimination and stigma. This may cause the individual to feel ashamed or afraid of being judged by caregivers if they reveal their diagnosis.

Question 10

An OTA is working in a setting with individuals who could be classified as high risk for HIV infection. What can the OTA educate the population on to help reduce the transmission of HIV?

Accepted Answer

Standard precautions are the most effective way to reduce the transmission of HIV as they include measures such as hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment, and safe handling of sharps. Double-glove techniques may be appropriate in certain situations, but they are not always necessary and not specifically related to preventing HIV transmission.

Question 11

An OTA is working with a tearful client diagnosed with HIV. The client is stating that she feels very isolated from those she used to be close to. What can the OTA do to help this person become aware of her rights as an individual with HIV?

Accepted Answer

Assisting the client in finding a support group and advocacy options is the best choice, as it can help the client connect with others in similar situations, provide emotional support, and provide education on the client's rights as an individual with HIV. Working with the client during a family session to disclose her status or finding employment in a HIV-friendly environment may not be appropriate or feasible options. Having her call all her old friends to get together may not be helpful in addressing the client's feelings of isolation or her rights as an individual with HIV.

Question 12

An OTA is working with the caregiver while treating a client with AIDS-related dementia. What can the OTA do to best meet the needs of both the client and the caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Task analyzing morning ADLs and providing education and training on cueing can help the caregiver with managing the client's care and providing appropriate assistance. This can also help the client maintain their independence and dignity. Offering energy-conservation tasks and suggesting support groups can also be helpful, but task analyzing and education/training would directly address the needs of both the client and caregiver in managing the client's ADLs. While offering a listening ear can be important, it does not directly address the practical needs of the situation.

Quiz 30: Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Factors and Considerations