HIV/AIDS Mark Klimek Review

NRTI's (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors)

- Antiviral drug used against HIV - Incorporated into the DNA of the virus & stops the building process - Results in incomplete DNA that cannot replicate - Often used in combination with other drugs

PI's (protease inhibitors)

- Most potent of the antivirals - Interferes w/ viral replication - Does not cure, but slows progression of AIDS - Prolongs life - Used prophylactically - Used in AIDS to decrease viral load and opportunistic infections

Which 2 classes of drugs are given in combination for HIV seropositivity?

- NRTI's (nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors) - PI's (protease inhibitors) They prevent viral replication

The most challenging aspect of combination drug therapy for HIV disease

- Number of pills that must be taken in 24 hours can be overwhelming - Frequency makes it hard to remember

Risk factor groups for AIDS

- Sexual partners of infected people - IV drug users - Hemophiliacs - Newborns of infected mothers

AIDS is transmissible through what 4 routes?

1. Blood 2. Sexual contact 3. Breastfeeding 4. Across the placenta in utero

What is the most common NRTI used?

AZT (zidovudine)

What test is the best indicator of the progress of the HIV disease?

CD4 count

What type of oral/esophageal infections do AIDS patients get?

Candida

What lab findings are present in AIDS?

Decreased RBC's, WBC's, and platelets

What is the first test for HIV antibodies?

ENLISA

What virus causes AIDS?

HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus

When do you need a gown with AIDS?

If you will be in contact with bodily fluids

What type of precaution is used for an AIDS patient with leukopenia?

Isolation precautions

Number one cancer that AIDS patients get

Kaposi's sarcoma

Do clients with AIDS gain or lose weight?

Lose weight

Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancer of the

Skin

Without leukopenia, an AIDS patient will be on or precautions.

Standard or contact

When do you need goggles with AIDS?

Suctioning, ABG's

T/F: AIDS patients get lymphomas

T

The AIDS virus invades helper .

T-lymphocytes (or CD4 cells)

What test confirms the ENLISA?

Western blot

Can AIDS patients leave the floor?

Yes, unless WBC's are very low

Does AIDS require a single room?

Yes- if WBC are low

Symptoms of HIV disease

Flu-like symptoms at first - Anorexia - Fatigue - Weakness - Night sweats - Fever - Diarrhea

When do you need a mask with AIDS?

Never, unless they have an airborne infection

Are articles used by AIDS patients double-bagged?

No- only those contaminated with secretions

Typical pneumonia of AIDS is caused by:

Pneumocystic carinii