Lewis ch 14: infection and human immunodeficiency virus infection QUESTIONS
1. Emerging and reemerging infections affect health care by (select all that apply) a. reevaluating vaccine practices. b. revealing antimicrobial resistance. c. limiting antibiotics to those with life-threatening infection. d. challenging researchers to discover new antimicrobial therapies.
1. Correct answers: a, b, d An emerging infection is an infectious disease whose incidence has increased in the past 20 years or threatens to increase in the immediate future. Reemerging infections are those infections that were previously controlled but have resurfaced. The most common reason for reemerging infectious is low vaccination rates. Ways in which emerging and reemerging infectious have affected the health care system include revising vaccine recommendations for previously controlled infections (e.g., pertussis and measles); discovery of antimicrobial-resistant organisms; and creation of new antiinfective agents to combat new organisms or antimicrobial-resistant infections.
11. Which strategy can the nurse teach the patient to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission? a. Using sterile equipment to inject drugs b. Cleaning equipment used to inject drugs c. Taking lamivudine (Epivir) during pregnancy d. Using latex or polyurethane barriers to cover genitalia during sexual contact
11. Correct answer: a Rationale: Access to sterile equipment is an important risk-elimination tactic. Some communities have needle and syringe exchange programs (NSEPs) that provide sterile equipment to users in exchange for used equipment. Cleaning equipment before use is a risk-reducing activity. It decreases the risk when equipment is shared, but it takes time, and a person in drug withdrawal may have difficulty cleaning equipment. Lamivudine alone is not appropriate for treatment in pregnancy. Barrier methods reduce but do not eliminate risk.
2. When teaching a patient infected with HIV regarding transmission of the virus to others, which statement made by the patient would indicate a need for further teaching? A. "I will need to isolate any tissues I use so as not to infect my family." B. "I will notify all of my sexual partners so they can get tested for HIV." C. "Unprotected sexual contact is the most common mode of transmission." D. "I do not need to worry about spreading this virus to others by sweating at the gym."
A HIV is not spread casually. The virus cannot be transmitted through hugging, dry kissing, shaking hands, sharing eating utensils, using toilet seats, or attending school with an HIV-infected person. It is not transmitted through tears, saliva, urine, emesis, sputum, feces, or sweat.
4. The nurse teaches the staff ensuring that standard precautions should be used when providing care for which type of patient? A. All patients regardless of diagnosis B. Pediatric and gerontologic patients C. Patients who are immunocompromised D. Patients with a history of infectious diseases
A Standard precautions are designed for all care of all patients in hospitals and health care facilities.
19. Eight years after seroconversion, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient has a CD4+ cell count of 800/µL and an undetectable viral load. What is the priority nursing intervention at this time? a. Encourage adequate nutrition, exercise, and sleep. b. Teach about the side effects of antiretroviral agents. c. Explain opportunistic infections and antibiotic prophylaxis. d. Monitor symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
ANS: A The CD4+ level for this patient is in the normal range, indicating that the patient is the stage of asymptomatic chronic infection when the body is able to produce enough CD4+ cells to maintain a normal CD4+ count. Maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors is an important goal in this stage. AIDS and increased incidence of opportunistic infections typically develop when the CD4+ count is much lower than normal. Although the initiation of ART is highly individual, it would not be likely that a patient with a normal CD4+ level would receive ART.
1. The nurse is caring for a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who has just been diagnosed with asymptomatic chronic HIV infection. Which prophylactic measures will the nurse include in the plan of care (select all that apply)? a. Hepatitis B vaccine b. Pneumococcal vaccine c. Influenza virus vaccine d. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole e. Varicella zoster immune globulin
ANS: A, B, C Asymptomatic chronic HIV infection is a stage between acute HIV infection and a diagnosis of symptomatic chronic HIV infection. Although called asymptomatic, symptoms (e.g., fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, night sweats) often occur. Prevention of other infections is an important intervention in patients who are HIV positive, and these vaccines are recommended as soon as the HIV infection is diagnosed. Antibiotics and immune globulin are used to prevent and treat infections that occur later in the course of the disease when the CD4+ counts have dropped or when infection has occurred.
10. The nurse palpates enlarged cervical lymph nodes on a patient diagnosed with acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Which action would be appropriate for the nurse to take? a. Instruct the patient to apply ice to the neck. b. Explain to the patient that this is an expected finding. c. Request that an antibiotic be prescribed for the patient. d. Advise the patient that this indicates influenza infection.
ANS: B Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy is common in the early stages of HIV infection. No antibiotic is needed because the enlarged nodes are probably not caused by bacteria. Lymphadenopathy is common with acute HIV infection and is therefore not likely the flu. Ice will not decrease the swelling in persistent generalized lymphadenopathy
2. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, which personal protective equipment will the nurse put on before assessing a patient who is on contact precautions for Clostridium difficile diarrhea (select all that apply)? a. Mask b. Gown c. Gloves d. Shoe covers e. Eye protection
ANS: B, C Because the nurse will have substantial contact with the patient and bedding when doing an assessment, gloves and gowns are needed. Eye protection and masks are needed for patients in contact precautions only when spraying or splashing is anticipated. Shoe covers are not recommended in the CDC guidelines.
15. A patient treated for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection for 6 years has developed fat redistribution to the trunk with wasting of the arms, legs, and face. What recommendation will the nurse give to the patient? a. Review foods that are higher in protein. b. Teach about the benefits of daily exercise. c. Discuss a change in antiretroviral therapy. d. Talk about treatment with antifungal agents.
ANS: C A frequent first intervention for metabolic disorders is a change in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Treatment with antifungal agents would not be appropriate because there is no indication of fungal infection. Changes in diet or exercise have not proven helpful for this problem.
3. A patient informed of a positive rapid antibody test result for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is anxious and does not appear to hear what the nurse is saying. What action by the nurse is most important at this time? a. Teach the patient how to reduce risky behaviors. b. Inform the patient about the available treatments. c. Remind the patient about the need to return for retesting to verify the results. d. Ask the patient to identify individuals who had intimate contact with the patient.
ANS: C After an initial positive antibody test result, the next step is retesting to confirm the results. A patient who is anxious is not likely to be able to take in new information or be willing to disclose information about the HIV status of other individuals. DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 222 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX:
18. The nurse is caring for a patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Which information is most important for the nurse to address when planning care? a. The patient complains of feeling "constantly tired." b. The patient can't explain the effects of indinavir (Crixivan). c. The patient reports missing some doses of zidovudine (AZT). d. The patient reports having no side effects from the medications.
ANS: C Because missing doses of ART can lead to drug resistance, this patient statement indicates the need for interventions such as teaching or changes in the drug scheduling. Fatigue is a common side effect of ART. The nurse should discuss medication actions and side effects with the patient, but this is not as important as addressing the skipped doses of AZT.
16. The nurse prepares to administer the following medications to a hospitalized patient with human immunodeficiency (HIV). Which medication is most important to administer at the scheduled time? a. Nystatin tablet b. Oral acyclovir (Zovirax) c. Oral saquinavir (Invirase) d. Aerosolized pentamidine (NebuPent)
ANS: C It is important that antiretrovirals be taken at the prescribed time every day to avoid developing drug-resistant HIV. The other medications should also be given as close as possible to the correct time, but they are not as essential to receive at the same time every day
6. Which patient exposure by the nurse is most likely to require postexposure prophylaxis when the patient's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status is unknown? a. Needle stick injury with a suture needle during a surgery b. Splash into the eyes while emptying a bedpan containing stool c. Needle stick with a needle and syringe used for a venipuncture d. Contamination of open skin lesions with patient vaginal secretions
ANS: C Puncture wounds are the most common means for workplace transmission of blood-borne diseases, and a needle with a hollow bore that had been contaminated with the patient's blood would be a high-risk situation. The other situations described would be much less likely to result in transmission of the virus.
9. The nurse will most likely prepare a medication teaching plan about antiretroviral therapy (ART) for which patient? a. Patient who is currently HIV negative but has unprotected sex with multiple partners b. Patient who was infected with HIV 15 years ago and now has a CD4+ count of 840/µL c. HIV-positive patient with a CD4+ count of 160/µL who drinks a fifth of whiskey daily d. Patient who tested positive for HIV 2 years ago and now has cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis
ANS: D CMV retinitis is an AIDS-defining illness and indicates that the patient is appropriate for ART even though the HIV infection period is relatively short. An HIV-negative patient would not be offered ART. A patient with a CD4+ count in the normal range would not typically be started on ART. A patient who drinks alcohol heavily would be unlikely to be able to manage the complex drug regimen and would not be appropriate for ART despite the low CD4+ count.
13. Which nursing action will be most useful in assisting a college student to adhere to a newly prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen? a. Give the patient detailed information about possible medication side effects. b. Remind the patient of the importance of taking the medications as scheduled. c. Encourage the patient to join a support group for students who are HIV positive. d. Check the patient's class schedule to help decide when the drugs should be taken.
ANS: D The best approach to improve adherence is to learn about important activities in the patient's life and adjust the ART around those activities. The other actions are also useful, but they will not improve adherence as much as individualizing the ART to the patient's schedule.
20. A patient is admitted to the emergency department (ED) with fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, headache, malaise, joint pain, and diarrhea. What nursing actions will help identify the need for further assessment of the cause of this patient's manifestations (select all that apply.)? A. Assessment of lung sounds B. Assessment of sexual behavior C. Assessment of living conditions D. Assessment of drug and syringe use E. Assessment of exposure to an ill person
B, D With these symptoms, assessing this patient's sexual behavior and possible exposure to shared drug equipment will identify if further assessment for the HIV virus should be made or the manifestations are from some other illness (e.g., lung sounds and living conditions may indicate further testing for TB).
5. The nurse is providing care for a patient who has been living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for several years. Which assessment finding most clearly indicates an acute exacerbation of the disease? A. A new onset of polycythemia B. Presence of mononucleosis-like symptoms C. A sharp decrease in the patient's CD4+ count D. A sudden increase in the patient's WBC count
C A decrease in CD4+ count signals an exacerbation of the severity of HIV. Polycythemia is not characteristic of the course of HIV. A patient's WBC count is very unlikely to suddenly increase, with decreases being typical. Mononucleosis-like symptoms such as malaise, headache, and fatigue are typical of early HIV infection and seroconversion.
16. The nurse is monitoring the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). What laboratory study result indicates the medications are effective? A. Increased viral load B. Decreased neutrophil count C. Increased CD4+ T cell count D. Decreased white blood cell count
C Antiretroviral therapy is effective if there are decreased viral loads and increased CD4+ T cell counts.
14. The nurse is providing postoperative care for a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection after an appendectomy. What type of precautions should the nurse observe to prevent the transmission of this disease? A. Droplet precautions B. Contact precautions C. Airborne precautions D. Standard precautions
D Standard precautions are indicated for prevention of transmission of HIV to the health care worker. HIV is not transmitted by casual contact or respiratory droplets. HIV may be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner; exposure to HIV-infected blood or blood products; and perinatal transmission during pregnancy, at delivery, or though breastfeeding.
12. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help an HIV-infected patient adhere to a treatment regimen? a. "Set up" a drug pillbox for the patient every week. b. Give the patient a video and a brochure to view and read at home. c. Tell the patient that the side effects of the drugs are bad but that they go away after a while. d. Assess the patient's routines and find adherence cues that fit into the patient's life circumstances.
12. Correct answer: d Rationale: The best approach to improve adherence to a treatment regimen is to learn about the patient's life and assist with problem solving within the confines of that life.
22. The registered nurse (RN) caring for an HIV-positive patient admitted with tuberculosis can delegate which action to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Teach the patient how to dispose of tissues with respiratory secretions. b. Stock the patient's room with the necessary personal protective equipment. c. Interview the patient to obtain the names of family members and close contacts. d. Tell the patient's family members the reason for the use of airborne precautions.
ANS: B A patient diagnosed with tuberculosis would be placed on airborne precautions. Because all health care workers are taught about the various types of infection precautions used in the hospital, the UAP can safely stock the room with personal protective equipment. Obtaining contact information and patient teaching are higher-level skills that require RN education and scope of practice.
4. A patient who is diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) tells the nurse, "I feel obsessed with morbid thoughts about dying." Which response by the nurse is appropriate? a. "Thinking about dying will not improve the course of AIDS." b. "Do you think that taking an antidepressant might be helpful?" c. "Can you tell me more about the thoughts that you are having?" d. "It is important to focus on the good things about your life now."
ANS: C More assessment of the patient's psychosocial status is needed before taking any other action. The statements, "Thinking about dying will not improve the course of AIDS" and "It is important to focus on the good things in life" or suggesting an antidepressant discourage the patient from sharing any further information with the nurse and decrease the nurse's ability to develop a trusting relationship with the patient.
12. A patient who uses injectable illegal drugs asks the nurse about preventing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which response by the nurse is best? a. "Clean drug injection equipment before each use." b. "Ask those who share equipment to be tested for HIV." c. "Consider participating in a needle-exchange program." d. "Avoid sexual intercourse when using injectable drugs."
ANS: C 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.
5. A pregnant woman with asymptomatic chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is seen at the clinic. The patient states, "I am very nervous about making my baby sick." Which information will the nurse include when teaching the patient? a. The antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infection are teratogenic. b. Most infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not infected with the virus. c. Because it is an early stage of HIV infection, the infant will not contract HIV. d. Her newborn will be born with HIV unless she uses antiretroviral therapy (ART).
ANS: B Only 25% of infants born to HIV-positive mothers develop HIV infection, even when the mother does not use ART during pregnancy. The percentage drops to 2% when ART is used. Perinatal transmission can occur at any stage of HIV infection (although it is less likely to occur when the viral load is lower). ART can safely be used in pregnancy, although some ART drugs should be avoided.
23. The nurse designs a program to decrease the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the adolescent and young adult populations. Which information should the nurse assign as the highest priority? a. Methods to prevent perinatal HIV transmission b. Ways to sterilize needles used by injectable drug users c. Prevention of HIV transmission between sexual partners d. Means to prevent transmission through blood transfusions
ANS: C Sexual transmission is the most common way that HIV is transmitted. The nurse should also provide teaching about perinatal transmission, needle sterilization, and blood transfusion, but the rate of HIV infection associated with these situations is lower
20. Which of these patients who have arrived at the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic should the nurse assess first? a. Patient whose rapid HIV-antibody test is positive b. Patient whose latest CD4+ count has dropped to 250/µL c. Patient who has had 10 liquid stools in the last 24 hours d. Patient who has nausea from prescribed antiretroviral drugs
ANS: C The nurse should assess the patient for dehydration and hypovolemia. The other patients also will require assessment and possible interventions, but do not require immediate action to prevent complications such as hypovolemia and shock.
2. A patient who has a positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies is admitted to the hospital with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 200 cells/L. Based on diagnostic criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which statement by the nurse is correct? a. "The patient will develop symptomatic HIV infection within 1 year." b. "The patient meets the criteria for a diagnosis of acute HIV infection." c. "The patient will be diagnosed with asymptomatic chronic HIV infection." d. "The patient has developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)."
ANS: D Development of PCP meets the diagnostic criteria for AIDS. The other responses indicate earlier stages of HIV infection than is indicated by the PCP infection.
8. A patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected has a CD4+ cell count of 400/µL. Which factor is most important for the nurse to determine before the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for this patient? a. CD4+ cell count trajectory b. HIV genotype and phenotype c. Patient's tolerance for potential medication side effects d. Patient's ability to follow a complex medication regimen
ANS: D Drug resistance develops quickly unless the patient takes ART medications on a strict, regular schedule. In addition, drug resistance endangers both the patient and community. The other information is also important to consider, but patients who are unable to manage and follow a complex drug treatment regimen should not be considered for ART.
18. What should the nurse teach the patients in the assisted living facility to decrease their risk for antibiotic-resistant infection (select all that apply.)? A. Wash hands frequently. B. Take antibiotics as prescribed. C. Take the antibiotic until it is gone. D. Take antibiotics to prevent illnesses like colds. E. Save leftover antibiotics to take if needed later.
A, B, C To decrease the risk for antibiotic-resistant infections, people should wash their hands frequently, follow the directions when taking the antibiotics, finish the antibiotic, do not request antibiotics for colds or flu, do not save leftover antibiotics, or take antibiotics to prevent an illness without them being prescribed by a health care provider.
3. The nurse plans a presentation for community members about how to decrease the risk for antibiotic-resistant infections. Which information will the nurse include in the teaching plan (select all that apply)? a. Antibiotics may sometimes be prescribed to prevent infection. b. Continue taking antibiotics until all of the prescription is gone. c. Unused antibiotics that are more than a year old should be discarded. d. Antibiotics are effective in treating influenza associated with high fevers. e. Hand washing is effective in preventing many viral and bacterial infections.
ANS: A, B, E All prescribed doses of antibiotics should be taken. In some situations, such as before surgery, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection. There should not be any leftover antibiotics because all prescribed doses should be taken. However, if there are leftover antibiotics, they should be discarded immediately because the number left will not be enough to treat a future infection. Hand washing is generally considered the single most effective action in decreasing infection transmission. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections such as influenza.
19. A heterosexual patient is concerned that they may contract human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from a bisexual partner. What should the nurse include when teaching about preexposure prophylaxis (select all that apply.)? A. Take fluconazole (Diflucan). B. Take amphotericin B (Fungizone). C. Use condoms for risk-reducing sexual relations. D. Take emtricitabine and tenofovir (Truvada) regularly. E. Have regular HIV testing for herself and her husband.
C, D, E Using male or female condoms, having monthly HIV testing for the patient and partner, and taking emtricitabine and tenofovir regularly have shown to decrease the infection of heterosexual women having sex with a partner who participates in high-risk behavior. Fluconazole and amphotericin B are taken for Candida albicans, Coccidioides immitis, and Cryptococcus neoformans, which are all opportunistic diseases associate with HIV infection.
6. A diagnosis of AIDS is made when an HIV-infected patient has a. a CD4+ T cell count below 200/µL. b. a high level of HIV in the blood and saliva. c. lipodystrophy with metabolic abnormalities. d. oral hairy leukoplakia, an infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus.
6. Correct answer: a AIDS is diagnosed when an individual with HIV infection meets one of several criteria; one criterion is a CD4+ T cell count below 200 cells/L. Other criteria are listed in Table 14-10.
10. Which statement(s) about metabolic side effects of ART is (are) true (select all that apply)? a. These are annoying symptoms that are ultimately harmless. b. ART-related body changes include fat redistribution and peripheral wasting. c. Lipid abnormalities include increases in triglycerides and decreases in high-density cholesterol. d. Insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia can be treated with drugs to control glucose and cholesterol. e. Compared to uninfected people, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia are more difficult to treat in HIV-infected patients.
10. Correct answers: b, c, d Rationale: Some HIV-infected patients, especially those who have been infected and have received ART for a long time, develop a set of metabolic disorders that include changes in body shape (e.g., fat deposits in the abdomen, upper back, and breasts along with fat loss in the arms, legs, and face) as a result of lipodystrophy, hyperlipidemia (i.e., elevated triglyceride levels and decreases in high-density lipoprotein levels), insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis, osteopenia, avascular necrosis), lactic acidosis, and cardiovascular disease.
2. Which types(s) of isolation precautions is (are) appropriate for a patient with tuberculosis (select all that apply)? a. contact precautions b. droplet precautions c. airborne precautions d. standard precautions e. neutropenic precautions
2. Correct answers: c, d Standard precautions should be used for all patients. In addition to standard precautions, patients with TB should be placed on airborne precautions to minimize risk of transmission and infection of HCPs and visitors.
3. Transmission of HIV from an infected individual to another most commonly occurs as a result of a. unprotected anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. b. low levels of virus in the blood and high levels of CD4+ T cells. c. transmission from mother to infant during labor and delivery and breastfeeding. d. sharing of drug-using equipment, including needles, syringes, pipes, and straws.
3. Correct answer: a Unprotected sexual contact (semen, vaginal secretions, or blood) with a partner infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most common mode of HIV transmission.
4. During HIV infection a. reverse transcriptase helps HIV fuse with the CD4+ T cell. b. HIV RNA uses the CD4+ T cell's mitochondria to replicate. c. the immune system is impaired predominantly by the eventual widespread destruction of CD4+ T cells. d. a long period of dormancy develops during which HIV cannot be found in the blood and there is little viral replication.
4. Correct answer: c Immune dysfunction in HIV disease is caused predominantly by damage to and destruction of CD4+ T cells (i.e., T helper cells or CD4+ T lymphocytes).
5. Which statements accurately describe HIV infection (select all that apply)? a. Untreated HIV infection has a predictable pattern of progression. b. Late chronic HIV infection is called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). c. Untreated HIV infection can remain in the early chronic stage for a decade or more. d. Untreated HIV infection usually remains in the early chronic stage for 1 year or less. e. Opportunistic diseases occur more often when the CD4+ T cell count is high and the viral load is low.
5. Correct answers: a, b, c The typical course of untreated HIV infection follows a predictable pattern. However, treatment can significantly alter this pattern, and disease progression is highly individualized. Late chronic infection is another term for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The median interval between untreated HIV infection and a diagnosis of AIDS is about 11 years.
7. Screening for HIV infection generally involves a. detecting CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in saliva. b. laboratory analysis of saliva to detect CD4+ T cells. c. analysis of lymph tissues for the presence of HIV RNA. d. laboratory analysis of blood to detect HIV antigen or antibody.
7. Correct answer: d Rationale: The most useful screening tests for HIV detect HIV-specific antibodies and/or antigen.
8. HIV antiretroviral drugs are used to a. cure acute HIV infection. b. decrease viral RNA levels. c. treat opportunistic diseases. d. decrease pain and symptoms in terminal disease.
8. Correct answer: b Rationale: The goals of drug therapy in HIV infection are to (1) decrease the viral load, (2) maintain or raise CD4+ T cell counts, and (3) delay onset of HIV infection-related symptoms and opportunistic diseases.
9. Opportunistic diseases in HIV infection a. are usually benign. b. are generally slow to develop and progress. c. occur in the presence of immunosuppression. d. are curable with appropriate drug interventions.
9. Correct answer: c Rationale: Management of HIV infection is complicated by the many opportunistic diseases that can develop as the immune system deteriorates (Table 14-10).
17. A patient has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the viral load is reported as undetectable. What patient teaching should be provided by the nurse related to this laboratory study result? A. The patient has the virus present and can transmit the infection to others. B. The patient is not able to transmit the virus to others through sexual contact. C. The patient will be prescribed lower doses of antiretroviral medications for 2 months. D. The syndrome has been cured, and the patient will be able to discontinue all medications.
A In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, viral loads are reported as real numbers of copies/μL or as undetectable. "Undetectable" indicates that the viral load is lower than the test is able to report. "Undetectable" does not mean that the virus has been eliminated from the body or that the individual can no longer transmit HIV to others.
11. An older adult patient is brought to the primary health care provider by an adult child reporting confusion. What testing should the nurse anticipate obtaining from this patient? A. Urinalysis B. Sputum culture C. Red blood cell count D. White blood cell count
A The developments of urinary tract infections commonly contribute to atypical manifestations such as cognitive and behavior changes in older adults. Sputum culture, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count may be done, but the first step would be to assess for a possible urinary tract infection.
8. A patient has been diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. What rationale for taking more than one antiretroviral medication should the nurse give to the patient to improve compliance? A. Viral replication will be inhibited. B. They will decrease CD4+ T cell counts. C. It will prevent interaction with other drugs. D. More than one drug has a better chance of curing HIV.
A The major advantage of using several classes of antiretroviral drugs is that viral replication can be inhibited in several ways, making it more difficult for the virus to recover and decreasing the likelihood of drug resistance that is a major problem with monotherapy. Combination therapy also delays disease progression and decreases HIV symptoms and opportunistic diseases. HIV cannot be cured. CD4+ T-cell counts increase with therapy. There are dangerous interactions with many antiretroviral drugs and other commonly used drugs.
12. A patient who is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is being taught by the nurse about health promotion activities such as good nutrition; avoiding alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and exposure to infectious agents; keeping up to date with vaccines; getting adequate rest; and stress management. What is the rationale behind these interventions that the nurse knows? A. Delaying disease progression B. Preventing disease transmission C. Helping to cure the HIV infection D. Enabling an increase in self-care activities
A These health promotion activities along with mental health counseling, support groups, and a therapeutic relationship with health care providers will promote a healthy immune system, which may delay disease progression. These measures will not cure HIV infection, prevent disease transmission, or increase self-care activities.
1. The nurse is advising a clinic patient who was exposed a week ago to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through unprotected sexual intercourse. The patient's antigen and antibody test has just been reported as negative for HIV. What instructions should the nurse give to this patient? a. "You will need to be retested in 2 weeks." b. "You do not need to fear infecting others." c. "Since you don't have symptoms and you have had a negative test, you do not have HIV)." d. "We won't know for years if you will develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)."
A HIV screening tests detect HIV-specific antibodies or antigens, but typically it takes a several week delay after initial infection before HIV can be detected on a screening test. Combination antibody and antigen tests (also known as fourth-generation tests) decrease the window period to within 3 weeks after infection. It is not known based on this information whether the patient is infected with HIV or can infect others.
11. Which information about a patient population would be most useful to help the nurse plan for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing needs? a. Age c. Symptoms b. Lifestyle d. Sexual orientation
ANS: A The current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention policy is to offer routine testing for HIV to all individuals age 13 to 64 years. Although lifestyle, symptoms, and sexual orientation may suggest increased risk for HIV infection, the goal is to test all individuals in this age range.
7. To evaluate the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which laboratory test result will the nurse review? a. Viral load testing c. Rapid HIV antibody testing b. Enzyme immunoassay d. Immunofluorescence assay
ANS: A The effectiveness of ART is measured by the decrease in the amount of virus detectable in the blood. The other tests are used to detect HIV antibodies, which remain positive even with effective ART. DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 222 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC
21. An older adult with chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who takes medications for coronary artery disease and hypertension has chosen to begin early antiretroviral therapy (ART). Which information will the nurse include in patient teaching? a. Many drugs interact with antiretroviral medications. b. HIV infections progress more rapidly in older adults. c. Less frequent CD4+ level monitoring is needed in older adults. d. Hospice care is available for patients with terminal HIV infection.
ANS: A The nurse will teach the patient about potential interactions between antiretrovirals and the medications that the patient is using for chronic health problems. Treatment and monitoring of HIV infection is not affected by age. A patient beginning early ART is not a candidate for hospice. Progression of HIV is not affected by age although it may be affected by chronic disease
14. A patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has developed Mycobacterium avium complex infection. Which outcome would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care? a. The patient will be free from injury. b. The patient will receive immunizations. c. The patient will have adequate oxygenation. d. The patient will maintain intact perineal skin.
ANS: D The major manifestation of M. avium infection is loose, watery stools, which would increase the risk for perineal skin breakdown. The other outcomes would be appropriate for other complications (e.g., pneumonia, dementia, influenza) associated with HIV infection.
6. The patient is diagnosed with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection in a surgical wound. What infection precautions should the nurse use to best prevent transmission of the infection to others? A. Droplet precautions B. Contact precautions C. Airborne precautions D. Standard precautions
B Contact precautions are used to minimize the spread of pathogens that are acquired from direct or indirect contact. Droplet precautions are used with pathogens that are spread through the air at close contact and that affect the respiratory system or mucous membranes (e.g., influenza, pertussis). Airborne precautions are used if the organism can cause infection over long distances when suspended in the air (e.g., tuberculosis, rubeola). Standard precautions are used with all patients and included in the transmission-based precautions above.
1. The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). What does the nurse explain to the patient the criteria for diagnosis is based on? A. Presence of HIV antibodies B. CD4+ T cell count below 200/µL C. Presence of oral hairy leukoplakia D. White blood cell count below 5000/µL
B Diagnostic criteria for AIDS include a CD4+ T-cell count below 200/µL or the development of specified opportunistic infections, cancers, wasting syndrome, or dementia. The other options may be found in patients with HIV disease but do not define the advancement of HIV infection to AIDS.
13. The nurse is teaching a group of young adults who live in a dormitory about the prevention of antibiotic-resistant infections. What should be included in the teaching plan? A. Save leftover antibiotics for future uses. B. Hand washing can prevent many infections. C. Antibiotics are indicated for preventing most colds. D. Stop taking prescribed antibiotics when symptoms improve.
B Hand washing is the single most important action to prevent infections. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not colds and flu caused by viruses. Patients should complete the entire prescription of antibiotics to prevent the development of resistant bacteria. Antibiotics should not be taken to prevent infections unless they are given prophylactically before undergoing certain surgeries and dental work.
3. The nurse has experienced a recent increase in the incidence of hospital care-associated infections (HAIs) on the unit. Which nursing action should be prioritized in the response to this trend? A. Use of gloves during patient contact B. Frequent and thorough hand washing C. Prophylactic, broad-spectrum antibiotics D. Fitting and appropriate use of N95 masks
B Hand washing remains the mainstay of the prevention of HAIs. Gloves, masks, and antibiotics may be appropriate in specific circumstances, but none of these replaces the central role of vigilant, thorough hand washing between patients and when moving from one task to another, even with the same patient.
9. A nurse was accidently stuck with a needle used on a patient who is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). After reporting the incident, what care should this nurse first receive? A. Personal protective equipment B. Combination antiretroviral therapy C. Counseling to report blood exposures D. A negative evaluation by the manager
B Postexposure prophylaxis with combination antiretroviral therapy can significantly decrease the risk of infection. Personal protective equipment should be available, although it may not have stopped this needle stick. The needle stick has been reported. The negative evaluation may or may not be needed but would not occur first.
10. A parent does not want their child to have any extra immunizations for diseases that no longer occur. What teaching about immunization should the nurse provide this mother? A. There is currently no need for those older vaccines. B. There is a reemergence of some of the infections, such as pertussis. C. There is no longer an immunization available for some of those diseases. D. The only way to protect your child is to have the federally required vaccines.
B Teaching the parent that some of the diseases are reemerging and the damage they can do to her child gives the mother the information to make an informed decision. The immunizations still exist and do protect individuals.
7. A pregnant woman who was tested and diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is very upset. What should the nurse teach this patient about her baby's risk of being born with HIV infection? A. "The baby will probably be infected with HIV." B. "Only an abortion will keep your baby from having HIV." C. "Treatment with antiretroviral therapy will decrease the baby's chance of HIV infection." D. "The duration and frequency of contact with the organism will determine if the baby gets HIV infection."
C On average, 25% of infants born to women with untreated HIV will be born with HIV. The risk of transmission is reduced to less than 2% if the infected pregnant woman is treated with antiretroviral therapy. Duration and frequency of contact with the HIV organism is one variable that influences whether transmission of HIV occurs. Volume, virulence, and concentration of the organism as well as host immune status are variables related to transmission via blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk.
15. A patient was exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 2 weeks ago through sharing needles with other substance users. What symptoms will the nurse teach the patient to report that would indicate the patient has developed an acute HIV infection? A. Cough, diarrhea, headaches, blurred vision, muscle fatigue B. Night sweats, fatigue, fever, and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy C. Oropharyngeal candidiasis or thrush, vaginal candidal infection, or oral or genital herpes D. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, nausea, or diarrhea
D Clinical manifestations of an acute infection with HIV include flu-like symptoms between 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. Early chronic HIV infection clinical manifestations are either asymptomatic or include fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, night sweats, and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. Intermediate chronic HIV infection clinical manifestations include candidal infections, shingles, oral or genital herpes, bacterial infections, Kaposi sarcoma, or oral hairy leukoplakia. Late chronic HIV infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) includes opportunistic diseases (infections and cancer).
7. A young adult female patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive has a new prescription for efavirenz (Sustiva). Which information is most important to include in the medication teaching plan? a. Take this medication on an empty stomach. b. Take this medication with a full glass of water. c. You may have vivid and bizarre dreams as a side effect. d. Continue to use contraception while taking this medication.
D To prevent harm, it is most critical to inform patients that efavirenz can cause fetal anomalies and should not be used in patients who may be or may become pregnant. The other information is also accurate, but it does not directly prevent harm. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach with water and patients should be informed that many people who use the drug have reported vivid and sometimes bizarre dreams.
