Question 1

A homeless patient who has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection has been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 18 months and has had normal CD4 counts and viral loads for past year. What will the provider recommend?

A) Allow for periods of time off from ART medications
B) Begin monitoring viral load and CD4 counts every 6 to 12 months
C) Consider beginning highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
D) Continue monitoring viral load and CD4 counts every 3 to 4 months

D

Accepted Answer

The patient has had normal CD4 counts and viral loads for the past year while on ART, which indicates that their current medication regimen is working well. However, it is still important to continue monitoring their viral load and CD4 counts closely every 3 to 4 months to ensure that their HIV infection remains well-controlled and to catch any potential changes or issues early on. It is not advisable to allow for periods of time off from ART medications or to switch to HAART unless there is a specific reason or indication to do so. Beginning monitoring every 6 to 12 months is not frequent enough to catch changes in a timely manner.

Question 2

Which patients with documented human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection may be classified has having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)? (Select all that apply.) A) A patient with a CD4 cell count of 150/mm³ B) A patient with a CD4 cell count of 400/mm³ C) A patient with contact with a partner who has AIDS D) A patient with esophageal candidiasis E) A patient with tuberculosis

Accepted Answer

A patient with a CD4 cell count below 200/mm³, or with opportunistic infections like esophageal candidiasis or tuberculosis, can be classified as having AIDS.

Question 3

A pregnant woman tests positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. What will the provider recommend?&#10;A) Consideration of termination of the pregnancy&#10;B) No treatment and caesarian section for delivery&#10;C) Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)&#10;D) Treatment with standard antiretroviral therapy

Accepted Answer

Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the recommended approach for pregnant women with HIV-1 infection. This therapy helps to reduce the viral load and decrease the risk of mother-to-child transmission during delivery. Consideration of termination of pregnancy is not necessary, and caesarian section for delivery may be considered but is not the only option. Standard antiretroviral therapy may not provide adequate protection against mother-to-child transmission.

Deck 209: Hiv Infection