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 ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The asymptomatic stage is characterized by no symptoms or mild symptoms. Many individuals with HIV may not be aware of their infection during this stage as they may not experience any obvious signs of illness.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect. The asymptomatic stage may see relatively stable CD4 counts and viral loads, rather than a gradual decline in CD4 count and a gradual increase in viral load.
Choice C rationale:
During the asymptomatic stage, the viral load may remain at detectable levels, but the individual may not have any symptoms. Regular HIV testing is crucial to detect the infection during this stage.
Choice D rationale:
Acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or seroconversion illness occurs during the acute primary infection, not the asymptomatic stage.
Choice E rationale:
Without treatment, the asymptomatic stage can last for up to 10-15 years. However, the duration can vary widely from person to person.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Nucleic acid tests (NAT) are highly sensitive tests that can detect HIV infection early, but the window period stated (3-12 weeks) is not accurate. NAT can detect HIV RNA as early as 9-11 days after exposure, but it may take up to 2-6 weeks for it to be reliably detected.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Nucleic acid tests (NAT) can detect HIV infection as early as 2-6 weeks after exposure, making it the option with the shortest window period.
Choice C rationale:
This option is incorrect. NAT can detect HIV infection earlier than the time range stated (10-33 days)
Choice D rationale:
This option is incorrect. NAT can detect HIV infection much earlier than 6 months after exposure.
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