A nurse is providing education to a group of clients with HIV infection about the goals of antiretroviral therapy (ART) Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply:.

Choice A rationale:

ART aims to reduce viral load to undetectable levels. When the viral load is undetectable, the risk of disease progression and transmission to others is significantly reduced.

Choice B rationale:

The primary goal of ART is to prevent opportunistic infections and cancers. By suppressing viral replication and boosting the immune system (measured by CD4 count improvement), ART helps prevent these severe complications of HIV infection.

Choice D rationale:

Improvement in CD4 count is a significant goal of ART. CD4 count reflects the health of the immune system, and increasing it is essential for better immune function and reducing the risk of opportunistic infections.

Choice E rationale:

ART can reduce the risk of transmission to others. When viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV to sexual partners or through shared needles is greatly reduced.

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.