When a family member is diagnosed with AIDS, the family is forced ...

[Collmarie]

When a family member is diagnosed with AIDS, the family is forced to undergo a process of adjusting and responding to the diagnosis and providing support for the diagnosed individual.
 
  Family dynamics are often stressed and may include which of the following elements?
 
  A) Older parents may have to adapt to having a previously independent adult who has now become dependent on them.
  B) Younger parents may have difficulty incorporating the diagnosed family member at a time when they are having more children.
  C) Families rarely need to make financial adjustments because health care coverage for AIDS is very well established.
  D) Families usually adjust very well due to the overwhelming community and social support they typically receive when others hear of their difficulties.

Question 2

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Kaposi's sarcoma both occur in individuals with the AIDS virus. These diseases are considered what?
 
  A) Secondary opportunistic infectious diseases
  B) Secondary neuropsychiatric syndromes
  C) AIDS-related complex
  D) Secondary neuropsychological disorders

[frejo]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Usually, those diagnosed with AIDS have already been independent from their families of origin and their parents are typically retirement age. Finances are a large concern because much of AIDS care is not supported by insurance companies. In addition, families are often isolated due to the stigma that a diagnosis of AIDS carries with it in the American culture. Coleman (1988) describes the diagnosis of AIDS as creating major challenges to the fragile balance of roles in the family system.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
The two most common secondary or opportunistic infectious diseases of AIDS clients are Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is characterized by a chronic, nonproductive cough and dyspnea that may be severe enough to result in hypoxemia and cognitive impairment. Kaposi's sarcoma presents with a blue-purpletinted skin lesion.