A nurse is assessing a client who recently had a high-risk exposure to HIV. The nurse understands that during which stage of HIV infection is the viral load often associated with a high viral load and a low CD4 count?
Acute primary infection.
Asymptomatic stage.
Symptomatic stage.
AIDS.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The acute primary infection is the initial phase of HIV infection and occurs shortly after exposure. During this stage, the viral load may be high, but the CD4 count is usually not significantly affected yet.
Choice B rationale:
The asymptomatic stage follows the acute primary infection and is characterized by no symptoms or mild symptoms. The viral load and CD4 count may be stable or slowly changing during this stage.
Choice C rationale:
The symptomatic stage is the next phase of HIV infection, also known as the early symptomatic or clinical latency stage. During this stage, the viral load is often associated with a high viral load and a low CD4 count. The immune system is weakened, and the individual may experience various HIV-related symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. At this stage, the immune system is severely compromised, and the individual is susceptible to various opportunistic infections and certain cancers. While the viral load remains high, the CD4 count is significantly low.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sharing injection equipment can transmit HIV, but it is not the main route of transmission. This mode of transmission is more associated with other blood-borne infections like Hepatitis B and C.
Choice B rationale:
Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding can transmit HIV, but it is not the main route of transmission in the general population.
Choice C rationale:
Unprotected sexual intercourse is the main route for HIV transmission in the general population. Sexual contact with an infected person without using barrier methods like condoms can facilitate the spread of the virus.
Choice D rationale:
Occupational exposure to infected blood is a potential mode of transmission for healthcare workers, but it is not the main route of transmission for the general population.
Choice E rationale:
Blood transfusion from an infected donor was a significant mode of HIV transmission in the past, but extensive screening of blood donations has made this mode of transmission extremely rare.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help increase CD4 count, but the primary goal of ART is to suppress viral replication and reduce viral load to undetectable levels, thereby preserving immune function.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. The goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is to reduce viral load to undetectable levels, which helps in preventing disease progression and transmission of HIV.
Choice C rationale:
Preventing opportunistic infections and cancers is an important benefit of ART, but the primary goal is to suppress viral replication.
Choice D rationale:
Adherence to the prescribed regimen and schedule is crucial for the effectiveness of ART, but it is not the primary goal of ART itself.
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