The nurse is monitoring the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). What laboratory study result indicates the medications are effective?
Decreased neutrophil count
Decreased CD4+ Tell count
Decreased viral load
Decreased white blood cell count
The Correct Answer is C
A. Neutrophil count is not a direct measure of ART effectiveness; a decrease may indicate bone marrow suppression or infection.
B. A decreased CD4+ T-cell count suggests disease progression, not effective treatment.
C. A decreased viral load indicates that ART is effectively suppressing HIV replication. This is the primary goal of treatment to prevent disease progression and maintain immune function.
D. A decreased white blood cell count can result from various factors and does not indicate ART effectiveness.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. An "undetectable" viral load means the risk of HIV transmission is significantly reduced ("Undetectable = Untransmittable" or U=U), though precautions should still be followed.
B. Clients with a low CD4+ count (<200 cells/µL) are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle and infection prevention helps maintain immune function.
C. Antibiotic prophylaxis is considered for clients with CD4+ counts <200 cells/µL, but it does not prevent viral load elevation.
D. There is no cure for HIV; lifelong ART is required to maintain viral suppression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. After initial HIV infection, clients typically enter a latent phase where symptoms subside, but the virus continues to replicate. This phase can last for years before progressing to AIDS when the CD4+ T-cell count drops below 200.
B. Symptoms generally do not correlate with a CD4+ count of 500; mild immunosuppression may begin at this level, but the client remains asymptomatic.
C. The virus is still active and causing immune system damage, even when symptoms are absent.
D. HIV transmission can still occur during the asymptomatic phase, especially if viral load is detectable.
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