A patient who is HIV-seropositive continues to use heroin on a ...

[pepyto]

A patient who is HIV-seropositive continues to use heroin on a daily basis but has agreed that his behavior endangers others and promises not to share needles. What can the nurse give as a realistic estimate for success in attaining this outcome?
 
  a. Low potential for achievement
  b. High potential for achievement
  c. Moderate potential for achievement
  d. Ultra-high potential for achievement

Question 2

A teen is concerned that she may have been exposed to the HIV virus by her sexual part-ner but has resisted being tested. The nurse can hypothesize that the primary reason she has not been tested is because she:
 
  a. Distrusts the confidentiality of the health care system
  b. Is concerned about possibly losing her current partner
  c. Is waiting to see whether symptoms would develop
  d. Fears she might test seropositive

[bitingbit]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Despite the patient's good intentions not to share needles, he may not care who uses his nee-dle when the heroin takes effect. The other options are unrealistically optimistic. High-risk behaviors are difficult to change. They are hard to discuss and harder still to achieve when they are drug-related, because substance use alters judgment.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Fear of testing seropositive is a strong deterrent to being tested. As long as one has no con-crete evidence, denial can be protective. Distrust may be a factor for some patients, but this is probably secondary to the fear of learning that one is HIV-positive. The remaining options are rarely seen as primary reasons.

[pepyto]

TYSM

[Jossy]

Excellent