Question 1

The nurse is providing care to a patient who has had diagnostic testing for HIV. Which test should the nurse review to monitor the response to antiretroviral therapy?

Accepted Answer

Viral load testing is used to monitor the response to antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV by measuring the amount of virus in the blood.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a group of older adults about prevention of HIV. Which statement made by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

Using a condom with each sexual contact is a recognized method of preventing the transmission of HIV, indicating an understanding of the teaching. Sharing needles, believing testing is unnecessary after a certain age, and assuming a low number of partners equates to low risk are all misconceptions about HIV prevention.

Question 3

A patient asks, "What is the main purpose of these medications I take for my HIV?" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

The main purpose of medications taken for HIV is to inhibit enzymes that the virus uses for replication, thereby interfering with viral production and reducing the viral load in the body. This helps in managing the infection and slowing down the progression of the disease.

Question 4

The licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) is watching a nursing student administer medications to a patient with HIV. Which action by the student requires correction by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Recapping needles is a practice that should be avoided due to the risk of needlestick injuries, which can be particularly concerning when dealing with patients with bloodborne pathogens like HIV.

Question 5

The nurse is caring for a patient with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. The nurse should plan to teach the patient about which medication?

Accepted Answer

Ganciclovir (Cytovene) is an antiviral medication specifically used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, including CMV retinitis.

Question 6

The nurse is contributing to a teaching plan. What should the nurse emphasize as being the most effective method known to control the spread of HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Education about preventive behaviors is the most effective method to control the spread of HIV infection. It encompasses a broad range of strategies, including the use of condoms, understanding the risks associated with certain behaviors, and promoting testing and awareness, which are crucial in preventing new infections.

Question 7

The nurse is reviewing the CD4 count results of a patient with AIDS. What can the nurse expect to find?

Accepted Answer

A patient with AIDS typically has a CD4 count below 200/µL, so a count of 100/µL is consistent with this condition.

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a group of patients with HIV. Which patient is at highest risk for developing CMV?

Accepted Answer

CMV (Cytomegalovirus) is a common virus that can be particularly harmful to individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV. It is often spread through close contact with young children, who can shed the virus in their urine and saliva. Therefore, a patient who works in a day care, where they are likely to have close contact with young children, is at the highest risk for developing CMV.

Question 9

The nurse is reviewing the use of a condom to prevent the transmission of HIV with a young adult patient seeking testing for HIV. Which patient statement indicates an understanding of how to use a condom?

Accepted Answer

Using a condom correctly involves withdrawing from the partner while the penis is still erect to prevent the condom from slipping off and potentially exposing both partners to bodily fluids. This practice helps ensure that the condom can effectively prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is at highest risk for contracting HIV?

Accepted Answer

A 60-year-old homosexual male who has had two partners is at higher risk due to potential exposure through sexual contact, especially if safe practices are not consistently followed.

Question 11

The nurse is preparing to teach a group of patients about the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission. The nurse should plan to teach the group about which medication?

Accepted Answer

Emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (Truvada) is approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 in adults and adolescents who are at high risk.

Question 12

A patient who has HIV asks the nurse why blood work has to be done so frequently. Which response should the nurse make to the patient?

Accepted Answer

CD4+ lymphocyte counts are crucial in monitoring the progression of HIV. These cells are a type of white blood cell that HIV targets and destroys, leading to weakened immunity. Regular monitoring helps assess the patient's immune function and the effectiveness of HIV treatment.

Question 13

A health care worker is exposed to blood from a patient who has HIV. What action should the worker take after the exposure?

Accepted Answer

The correct action to take after being exposed to blood from a patient who has HIV is to cleanse the site with soap and water. This helps to remove any potentially infectious material from the skin. Other options like applying alcohol, flushing with hot water, or applying a topical antibiotic are not recommended as initial steps for managing exposure to HIV.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for a patient in the symptomatic stage of HIV. Which clinical manifestations can the nurse expect to document? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is caring for a patient...

Question 15

The nurse is teaching a patient about antiretroviral therapy. Which statement made by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

Setting an alarm to remember to take antiretroviral medications is important for maintaining consistent blood levels of the medication, which is crucial for the effectiveness of the therapy.

Question 16

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving abacavir sulfate (Ziagen). For which complication should the nurse monitor the patient?

Accepted Answer

Abacavir sulfate can cause a hypersensitivity reaction, which often presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, and malaise.

Question 17

The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who is HIV positive. Which action should the nurse take when following standard precautions for protection from HIV exposure?

Accepted Answer

Standard precautions, including wearing gloves when touching body fluids, are essential to protect healthcare workers from HIV exposure. Recapping needles, having open skin lesions, and modifying gloves inappropriately increase the risk of exposure.

Question 18

A patient diagnosed with HIV asks the nurse how soon the virus can be transmitted to others. Which time frame should the nurse inform the patient?

Accepted Answer

HIV can be transmitted to others as soon as 2 to 4 weeks after the person has been infected, during the acute infection stage when the viral load is very high.

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a patient with AIDS who develops oral candidiasis. Which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer