Author Question: A patient diagnosed with HIV has an HIV viral load test of 9,000 copies/mL. What should this test ... (Read 133 times)

lunatika · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient diagnosed with HIV has an HIV viral load test of 9,000 copies/mL. What should this test result suggest to the nurse?

1. The current prescribed medication therapy is not effective.
2. The current prescribed medication therapy is effective.
3. The dose of prescribed medication can be reduced.
4. A less toxic medication needs to be prescribed.

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is not responding to NSAID therapy. The nurse anticipates that which medications and therapies will be considered for this patient's treatment?

Select all that apply.
1. gold salt
2. plasmapheresis
3. methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
4. infliximab (Remicade)
5. corticosteroids

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

HIV viral load tests measure the amount of actively replicating HIV. Levels correlate with disease progression and response to antiretroviral medications. Levels greater than 5,000 to 10,000 copies/mL indicate the need for treatment. The patient's current prescribed medication is not effective. This laboratory value does not indicate that the dose can be reduced or that the medication is toxic.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3, 4, 5

Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) may be used to inhibit immune responses in autoimmune disorders. Infliximab (Remicade) reduces the inflammatory process in autoimmune disorders. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce the inflammatory response and minimize tissue damage. Gold salt is not an option to treat the patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Plasmapheresis may or may not be indicated for this patient.