A nurse is assessing a patient with HIV/AIDS. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize during the nursing assessment?

Choice A rationale:

Consistent and correct use of condoms is an essential biomedical intervention for HIV prevention. When used consistently and properly, condoms act as a barrier to prevent the transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse.

Choice B rationale:

Abstinence from sexual activity is an important behavioral approach to prevent HIV transmission. However, the question specifically asks for biomedical interventions, which involve the use of medical or pharmaceutical methods.

Choice C rationale:

Sharing injection equipment with trusted partners is a risky behavior that can lead to HIV transmission. It is not a biomedical intervention but rather an unsafe practice.

Choice D rationale:

Taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical intervention for HIV prevention. PrEP involves taking antiretroviral medications before potential exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of infection in high-risk individuals.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is inaccurate. HIV is not an acute infection that resolves without treatment. It is a chronic condition that persists in the body, and without treatment, it can progress to AIDS, which can be life-threatening.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is also inaccurate. While Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is highly effective in controlling HIV and improving the quality of life for people living with the virus, it is not a curative treatment. HIV remains in the body, and stopping ART can lead to viral rebound.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. HIV testing is essential, even in the absence of visible symptoms. Many individuals with HIV may not show any symptoms for years, but early detection through testing allows for timely intervention and better disease management.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct statement. HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.