Author Question: Eight years after seroconversion, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient has a CD4+ ... (Read 93 times)

mspears3 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Eight years after seroconversion, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient has a CD4+ cell count of 800/L and an undetectable viral load. What is the priority nursing intervention at this time?

a. Teach about the effects of antiretroviral agents.
b. Encourage adequate nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
c. Discuss likelihood of increased opportunistic infections.
d. Monitor for symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Question 2

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 about how to use tissues to dispose of respiratory secretions.
b. Stock the patient's room with all 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.

Chocorrol77 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
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. 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.

Answer to Question 2

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.