Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the virus that causes AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
How is HIV transmitted
Sex, direct contact with infected blood or body fluids (semen, breast milk)
What are the symptoms of HIV
Fever, weight loss, night sweats, diarrhea, fatigue
How is HIV confirmed
Screening is done FIRST to see if HIV antibodies are present
What is the screening test for HIV
ELISA
What is ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A blood test that uses special enzymes that attach to blood
What confirms the screening test?
HIV differentiation assay - Western blot is NO LONGER used
How does HIV attack the body
It attacks the immune system by destroying T-lymphocytes. The virus rapidly self-replicates.
What is so important about T-lymphoctes?
T cells help the immune system recognize and fight pathogens.
What is another name for T-lymphocytes
CD4 Cells
Why is the CD4 count important
The lower the CD4 count, the more damage the virus has done to the body
What is a normal CD4 count in a person without HIV
500 - 1500 in healthy adults
What is the normal CD4 count in a person WITH HIV
Anything at or above 500 means the patient is in good health. If the CD$ drops below 200, the HIV virus is now AIDS
If a patients CD4 count is below 200, the patient is most at risk for
Opportunistic infections
What is a nucleic acid test (NATS)
the test for the viral load of HIV in the blood
Lis some opportunistic infections
Oral pharyngeal candida infection (mouth fungus
Kaposi’s sarcoma (skin cancer)
Pneumocystis pneumonia
Cytomegalovirus (blindness)
Meningitis
What is the goal of HIV medications
To interfere with the virus replication inside the patient
What is the most important medication to know for HIV NClex
Zidovudine
What isolation precautions are used with HIV
Universal - all blood should be suspected of HIV
How do isolation precautions change with AIDS
If the patient has a low CD4 and is at risk of opportunistic infection: Private room, reverse isolation, RN/MD wear gloves, gown, goggles mask in direct contact with fluids
What are the teaching points for parents who have a child with HIV
clean up body fluid/blood with 10:1 water bleach ratio
Get all vaccines except live like MMR, Varicella and oral polio
Feed high calorie and protein diet
Use gloves to change diapers
Clinical HIV/AIDS Priority
All suspected cases treated immediately
Beginning of antiretroviral therapy should be started rapidly - BIG PRIORITY
Cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups and medication compliance are necessary to maintain health
