A nurse is educating a client who has HIV about the infection process. Which of the following features of the virus should the nurse explain can result in opportunistic infection?
Conversion of the virus's RNA into DNA
Having reverse transcriptase enzyme
Containing only a single strand of genetic material
Ability to target and destroy CD4 lymphocytes
The Correct Answer is D
A. The conversion of RNA into DNA is a critical step in the HIV lifecycle, but it does not directly lead to opportunistic infections; instead, it allows the virus to integrate into the host’s genome.
B. Having reverse transcriptase enzyme is a characteristic of retroviruses like HIV that facilitates replication, but it does not cause opportunistic infections directly.
C. HIV containing a single strand of genetic material is a feature of its classification as a retrovirus but is not related to the risk of opportunistic infections.
D. The ability of HIV to target and destroy CD4 lymphocytes is the key reason for opportunistic infections. CD4 cells are crucial for the immune response, and their depletion leads to immunosuppression, making the client susceptible to infections that would not typically affect an individual with a healthy immune system.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Abuse refers to the mistreatment of a patient, which does not apply to this scenario as the issue was an error rather than intentional harm.
B. Battery involves intentional and wrongful physical contact with another person; while the wrong medication is harmful, it was not an intentional act of violence.
C. Malpractice is the correct choice because it involves negligence in the professional duties of a healthcare provider, resulting in harm to a patient. The nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering the incorrect medication.
D. Assault refers to the threat of harm or the act of creating fear of harm in another person, which is not applicable in this scenario since the nurse did not threaten the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that can occur in anyone, but it is not specifically related to low CD4-T-cell counts associated with AIDS.
B. Candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, is a fungal infection caused by Candida species. Clients with a significantly decreased CD4-T-cell count are at high risk for opportunistic infections, including candidiasis, due to their compromised immune systems.
C. Xerostomia refers to dry mouth, which can occur for various reasons but is not specifically an infectious condition linked to low CD4 counts.
D. Halitosis, or bad breath, can result from several factors, including poor oral hygiene or underlying health issues, but is not specifically linked to the immune status of a client with AIDS.
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