Author Question: A primary care NP provides primary care for a woman who has HIV. The woman asks the NP if she will ... (Read 93 times)

SGallaher96 · **on:** Jul 24, 2018

A primary care NP provides primary care for a woman who has HIV. The woman asks the NP if she will ever be able to have children. The NP should tell her:

a. none of the antiretroviral medications are safe to take during pregnancy.
b. she will need to take medications throughout her pregnancy and lactation.
c. there is no risk of disease transmission to a fetus if she complies with therapy.
d. strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy decreases her risk of transmitting HIV to the fetus.

Question 2

A patient who has HIV has been receiving a two-drug combination therapy for 6 months. At an annual physical examination, the primary care NP notes that the patient has a viral load of 60 copies/mL and a CD4 cell count of 350 cells/mm.

The NP should contact the patient's infectious disease specialist to discuss: a. changing one of the medications.
b. changing both of the medications.
c. increasing the dose of both medications.
d. discontinuing the medications for a short period.

potomatos · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 24, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Antiretroviral therapy reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of transmitting HIV to the fetus. Antiretroviral therapy medications may be taken during pregnancy. Women with HIV should not breastfeed because of the high risk of transmission.

Answer to Question 2

B
This patient has a high viral load and a low cell count. When changing medications, both medications should be changed.