A nurse is caring for a client with advanced HIV disease. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further education about the opportunistic infections that define AIDS?

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.

Choice A rationale:

HIV testing is recommended for everyone, regardless of risk factors. It is essential to identify HIV infections early, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent further transmission.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect and unethical. Informed consent and counseling are crucial before HIV testing to ensure individuals are aware of the implications of the test and the disease.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is accurate. Antibody tests are the most common and reliable tests used for the diagnosis of HIV infection. These tests detect the presence of antibodies produced by the body in response to the HIV virus.

Choice D rationale:

Nucleic acid tests (NAT) are not used to detect antibodies against HIV. Instead, NAT is used for early detection of the virus itself, not antibodies, and is typically employed in specific situations like testing donated blood or for early diagnosis during the window period before antibodies develop.