A patient who uses injectable illegal drugs asks the nurse about preventing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which response by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Participation in needle-exchange programs has been shown to decrease and control the rate of HIV infection. Cleaning drug equipment before use also reduces risk,but it might not be consistently practiced. HIV antibodies do not appear for several weeks to months after exposure,so testing drug users would not be very effective in reducing risk for HIV exposure. It is difficult to make appropriate decisions about sexual activity when under the influence of drugs.

A Patient Who Uses Injectable Illegal Drugs Asks the Nurse