Author Question: Which findings are AIDS-defining characteristics? (Select all that apply.) a. CD4+ cell count ... (Read 87 times)

altibaby · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Which findings are AIDS-defining characteristics? (Select all that apply.)

a. CD4+ cell count less than 200/mm3 or less than 14
b. Infection with Pneumocystis jiroveci
c. Positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for human immune deficiency virus (HIV)
d. Presence of HIV wasting syndrome
e. Taking antiretroviral medications

Question 2

A client with HIV/AIDS asks the nurse why gabapentin (Neurontin) is part of the drug regimen when the client does not have a history of seizures. What response by the nurse is best?

a. Gabapentin can be used as an antidepressant too.
b. I have no idea why you should be taking this drug.
c. This drug helps treat the pain from nerve irritation.
d. You are at risk for seizures due to fungal infections.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, D
A diagnosis of AIDS requires that the person be HIV positive and have either a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 200 cells/mm3 or less than 14 (even if the total CD4+ count is above 200 cells/mm3) or an opportunistic infection such as Pneumocystis jiroveci and HIV wasting syndrome. Having a positive ELISA test and taking antiretroviral medications are not AIDS-defining characteristics.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Many classes of medications are used for neuropathic pain, including tricyclic antidepressants such as gabapentin. It is not being used as an antidepressant or to prevent seizures from fungal infections. If the nurse does not know the answer, he or she should find out for the client.