The nurse is reinforcing education about home and lifestyle alterations to a client recently diagnosed with HIV. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further education? Select all that apply.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection of the CD4⁺ (helper T) cells, resulting in progressive immune system impairment. When educating clients with HIV, the nurse should discuss health promotion and infection transmission prevention strategies, particularly safe sex practices. Unprotected sex increases the risk of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Protected sex is important even with HIV-positive partners as HIV has multiple strains and coinfection results in HIV superinfection, which may hasten progression to AIDS (Option A). Clients with HIV should use latex or synthetic condoms and/or dental dams during sexual activity involving mucous membrane exposure (ie, oral, vaginal, anal) to semen or vaginal secretions. Natural barriers (eg, lambskin) do not prevent transmission of STIs due to the presence of small pores (Option D). (Option B) Sharing personal hygiene devices that may have been exposed to blood (eg, toothbrushes, razors) increases HIV transmission risk and should be avoided. (Option C) Immunosuppressed clients should be educated to avoid raw or undercooked foods (eg, eggs, meats, seafood) to avoid foodborne illnesses. (Option E) To prevent transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and other bloodborne diseases, IV drug users should be taught to avoid reusing or sharing needles or syringes. Educational objective: Clients with HIV are educated to use latex or synthetic barriers during all sexual encounters (ie, oral, vaginal, anal) in which nonintact skin or mucous membranes are exposed to semen or vaginal secretions. Unprotected sex increases the risk of transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as HIV coinfection/superinfection.

The Nurse Is Reinforcing Education About Home and Lifestyle Alterations