An adult patient is admitted with AIDS and oral Candida albicans manifested by several painful mouth ulcers. The nurse delegates oral care to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and discusses how to assist the patient.

Which instruction should the nurse give to the UAP?

Choice A rationale:

Tiotropium is a long-acting bronchodilator, not a rescue inhaler for sudden shortness of breath.

It takes several hours to reach its full effect and is not designed to provide immediate relief during acute symptoms.

Using tiotropium for sudden shortness of breath could delay the use of a more appropriate rescue medication, potentially worsening the situation.

Choice B rationale:

While tiotropium can help reduce mucus production and make secretions easier to clear, this is not its primary mechanism of action.

The client's statement focuses on a potential side effect rather than demonstrating a clear understanding of the medication's intended purpose.

Choice C rationale:

The frequency of inhaler use depends on the specific medications prescribed. Some inhalers are used daily, while others are used only as needed for symptoms.

It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's instructions for each inhaler to ensure proper use and avoid potential drug interactions.

Choice D rationale:

This statement correctly reflects the appropriate use of tiotropium.

It's typically taken once daily via a handihaler device to maintain open airways and prevent COPD symptoms. Regular daily use is crucial for optimal effectiveness.

Choice A rationale:

Incorrect. Suppressor T-cells (also known as regulatory T-cells) play a role in regulating the immune response, but their proliferation is not the primary mechanism by which HIV suppresses the immune system. In fact, HIV can disrupt the function of suppressor T-cells, leading to an impaired ability to control immune responses.

Choice B rationale:

Incorrect. Cytotoxic T-cells (also known as CD8+ T-cells) are important for killing infected cells, but their deficiency is not the direct cause of immune suppression in HIV. However, HIV can indirectly lead to a deficiency of cytotoxic T-cells by disrupting their production and function.

Choice C rationale:

Incorrect. B-lymphocytes produce antibodies, and IgM is an early antibody produced in response to infection. However, an increase in B-lymphocytes and IgM is not characteristic of HIV infection. In fact, HIV can impair B-cell function, leading to decreased antibody production.

Choice D rationale:

Correct. HIV primarily targets and destroys helper T-cells (also known as CD4+ T-cells). These cells play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response by activating other immune cells, such as cytotoxic T-cells and B-cells. The depletion of helper T-cells leads to a progressive weakening of the immune system, rendering the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.

Specific mechanisms of CD4+ T-cell destruction by HIV:

Direct infection and lysis: HIV can directly infect CD4+ T-cells and replicate within them, eventually leading to the death of the infected cells.

CD4+ T-cell apoptosis: HIV can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in CD4+ T-cells through various mechanisms, including the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways and the disruption of anti-apoptotic signals.

Immune dysregulation: HIV infection can also dysregulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and immune activation. This can further contribute to CD4+ T-cell depletion and dysfunction.