Author Question: While discussing the pharmacotherapy of HIV with a group of nursing students, the nurse states that ... (Read 89 times)

tnt_battle · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

While discussing the pharmacotherapy of HIV with a group of nursing students, the nurse states that the goal of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce plasma HIV RNA to less than _____ copies/mL.

Standard Text: Record your answer rounding to the nearest whole number.
Fill in the blank with the appropriate word.

Question 2

Which teaching point by the nurse is correct in regards to antiviral therapy?

1. Antiviral drug therapy can be challenging because of how slowly viruses become resistant to the drugs.
2. They have a broad spectrum of activity.
3. It is difficult to administer adequate doses of medication to kill the virus without injuring normal cells.
4. They must be given one at a time because of the possibility of severe side effects.

elyse44 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 48
Rationale: HIV RNA levels are determined every 3 to 6 months to monitor progression of the disease and to assess the degree of success of antiretroviral therapy. The goal of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce plasma HIV RNA to less than 48 copies/mL.
Global Rationale: HIV RNA levels are determined every 3 to 6 months to monitor progression of the disease and to assess the degree of success of antiretroviral therapy. The goal of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce plasma HIV RNA to less than 48 copies/mL. For most patients, 12 to 24 weeks of HIV pharmacotherapy is required to achieve this level.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Antiviral therapy is challenging due to the rapidity with which viruses become resistant to drugs.
Rationale 2: Antiviral therapy has a narrow spectrum of activity.
Rationale 3: A challenge to antiviral therapy is that it is difficult to administer adequate doses of medication without injuring the normal cells.
Rationale 4: Antiviral drugs are given in many combinations to clients with HIV-AIDS. The HAART regimen can include up to four medications given concurrently.
Global Rationale: The decision to begin treatment during the asymptomatic stage has certain negative consequences. Medications for HIV-AIDS treatment are expensive, ranging from 24,000 to 60,000 per year. Antiretrovirals can produce serious adverse effects and may interact with other drugs the patient is taking. Continuous pharmacotherapy over many years promotes viral resistance so that when the acute stage eventually develops, the medications may no longer be effective. The drugs have a narrow spectrum of activity and are often given in combination.