Author Question: At an educational session for patients with HIV infection and their support persons, the nurse is ... (Read 41 times)

mspears3 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

At an educational session for patients with HIV infection and their support persons, the nurse is asked, If the incidence of AIDS has declined, why is it that its prevalence has increased? The nurse can explain this by responding:

a. This is a statistical aberration; don't let it confuse you.
b. More people are living longer with both HIV infection and AIDS.
c. Delays in diagnosis and treatment contribute to the increased death rate.
d. Transmission to vulnerable populations has affected AIDS surveillance data.

Question 2

A patient with AIDS persistently uses denial with respect to the seriousness of the condi-tion. The nurse will need to be alert for the presence of defining characteristics for the nursing diagnosis of:

a. Anxiety
b. Hopelessness
c. Noncompliance
d. Powerlessness

ntsoane kedibone · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The incidence of AIDS began to decline only recently; however, HAART has prolonged the interval between HIV infection and development of AIDS and has reduced deaths from AIDS. Consequently, the number of people living with AIDS has increased. This situation is not an aberration. Discussing diagnosis delays has no bearing on the issue. The comment about surveillance data is unsupported by evidence.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Denial of his illness may lead to noncompliance with the medical regimen. The nurse needs to intervene quickly if noncompliance occurs, since the patient's condition will deteriorate without the benefit of HAART. The remaining options are not likely to be seen as long as the patient uses denial.