A patient has Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and the viral load is reported as undetectable. What patient teaching should be provided by the nurse related to this laboratory study results?

The patient has the virus but the infection is well controlled and not currently transmissible

The syndrome has gone from Stage 3 back to stage 2

The patient can discontinue with antiretroviral therapy until the viral load rises again

The patient will be prescribed lower doses of antiretroviral medications for 2 months

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) "The patient has the virus but the infection is well controlled and not currently transmissible."
An undetectable viral load means that the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard laboratory tests, typically due to effective antiretroviral therapy. However, the patient still has the HIV virus in their body, and it is essential to continue treatment. An undetectable viral load reduces the risk of transmission, particularly to partners, but it does not eliminate the virus entirely. Hence, the infection is well controlled, but ongoing medication is still necessary to maintain viral suppression.

B) "The syndrome has gone from Stage 3 back to stage 2."
An undetectable viral load does not change the HIV stage. HIV is classified into three stages, with Stage 3 representing AIDS. While effective antiretroviral therapy can prevent the progression to AIDS and help control the viral load, it does not "reverse" the stage of HIV infection. Once a person progresses to Stage 3 (AIDS), they remain in this category even if their viral load becomes undetectable.

C) "The patient can discontinue with antiretroviral therapy until the viral load rises again."
An undetectable viral load indicates successful treatment, but it is crucial for the patient to continue taking antiretroviral medications to maintain viral suppression. Discontinuing therapy increases the risk of viral rebound and drug resistance. Long-term adherence to antiretroviral therapy is essential for keeping the virus under control.

D) "The patient will be prescribed lower doses of antiretroviral medications for 2 months.". The goal of antiretroviral therapy is to maintain viral suppression indefinitely, not to reduce the dose or discontinue it temporarily. Lowering the dose of antiretroviral medications could result in viral rebound and loss of viral suppression. Therefore, consistent, full-dose therapy is required for optimal HIV management.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "Following up with your dentist frequently will be important.":
This is the correct and important advice to give. Phenytoin (Dilantin), an anticonvulsant, can cause gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia), which makes it important for the patient to have regular dental check-ups. Poor oral hygiene combined with gingival hyperplasia can increase the risk of infection and other oral health issues. Therefore, advising the patient to follow up frequently with a dentist is essential to manage this side effect.

B. "Take an antacid with the medication if indigestion occurs.":
advice. Taking an antacid with phenytoin can interfere with its absorption. Antacids, especially those containing aluminum or magnesium, can reduce the effectiveness of phenytoin, leading to suboptimal therapeutic levels. It’s important to separate phenytoin from antacids by at least 2 hours to avoid this interaction. Therefore, antacids should not be used with phenytoin to manage indigestion.

C. "Alcoholic beverages should be limited to 1-2 per day while taking phenytoin.":
This is inaccurate advice. Alcohol can significantly affect the metabolism of phenytoin, increasing the risk of both toxicity and reduced effectiveness. Alcohol may lower the seizure threshold and interfere with the therapeutic effect of phenytoin, especially in higher amounts. Therefore, it is generally recommended that patients taking phenytoin avoid alcohol altogether, or at the very least limit consumption significantly and discuss it with their healthcare provider.

D. "Phenytoin may turn your urine orange.":
information. Phenytoin does not cause urine to turn orange. Urine discoloration can occur with some medications (like rifampin, for example), but not with phenytoin. This statement could cause unnecessary confusion for the patient. It is essential to provide accurate information to avoid misconceptions about medication side effects.

Correct Answer is ["300"]

Explanation

Given:

IV fluids initiated at: 03:30

Infusion rate: 120 mL/hr

To find:

Volume of IV fluids infused by 06:00

Step 1: Calculate the duration of infusion

Time elapsed from 03:30 to 06:00 is 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is equal to 2.5 hours.

Step 2: Calculate the volume of IV fluids infused

Volume = Infusion rate x Time elapsed

Volume = 120 mL/hr x 2.5 hours = 300 mL

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A patient has Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and the viral load is reported as undetectable. What patient teaching should be provided by the nurse related to this laboratory study results?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has seizures and a new prescription for phenytoin. Which of the following information should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who had IV fluids initiated at 0330. The IV fluids are infusing at 120 mL/hr. The nurse should record how many mL of IV fluids on the intake record at 0600?

Correct Answer is ["300"]

Explanation

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