A nurse is counseling a newly diagnosed HIV-positive client. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the disease?
"HIV is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics.”
"HIV attacks and destroys the cells responsible for my immune system.”
"HIV can only be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.”
"I can rely on herbal remedies to cure HIV without taking medications.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
HIV is not a bacterial infection but a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. It cannot be treated with antibiotics, as antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is correct. HIV attacks and destroys the CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for maintaining the immune system. As the virus replicates and damages these cells, the body becomes more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is incorrect. HIV can be transmitted through various means, including unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, mother-to-child during childbirth or breastfeeding, and blood transfusions with infected blood.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is incorrect. There is no cure for HIV, and relying solely on herbal remedies without taking antiretroviral medications would be ineffective and dangerous. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for managing HIV and preventing its progression to AIDS.
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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.
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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