ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)

Question 1

What virus causes AIDS?

Answer 1

HIV - human immunodeficiency virus

Question 2

The AIDS virus invades helper ___

Answer 2

T-lymphocytes (CD4 series)

Question 3

AIDS is transmissible through what four routes?

Answer 3

Blood, Sexual contact, breast feeding, across placenta in uretro.

Question 4

HIV is present in all body fluids (T/F)

Answer 4

True, but not transmitted by all —only blood, semen, and breast milk.

Question 5

Name the five risk groups for AIDS

Answer 5

Homosexual/bisexual men, IV drug users, hemophiliacs, heterosexual partners of infected people, newborn children of infected women.

Question 6

What is the first test for HIV antibodies?

Answer 6

HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab combination immuno asssay

Question 7

The rapid HIV test available in clinics and doctors offices tests what body fluid?

Answer 7

Saliva

Question 8

What tests confirm the ELISA

Answer 8

Western Blot, IFA, PCR

Question 9

Which test is the best indicator of the progress of HIV disease?

Answer 9

The CD4 count

Question 10

A CD4 count of under ___ is associated with the onset of AIDS - related symptoms.

Answer 10

500

Question 11

A CD4 count of under ___ is associated with the onset of opportunistic infections.

Answer 11

200

Question 12

Give 6 symptoms of HIV disease.

Answer 12

Anorexia, fatigue, weakness, nigh sweats, fever, diarrhea

Question 13

Which two classes of drugs are given in combination for HIV sero-positivity?

Answer 13

NRTI’s (nucleoside reverse transcriptease inhibitors) and PI’s (protease inhibitors)

Question 14

What do these drugs do?

Answer 14

They prevent viral replication

Question 15

What does the physician hope to achieve with these drugs

Answer 15

A delayed onset of AIDS for as long as possible (usually can delay onset for 10-15 years.)

Question 16

What is the most common NRTI used?

Answer 16

AZT (zidovudine)

Question 17

What is the most challenging aspect of combination of drug therapy for HIV disease?

Answer 17

The number of pills that must be taken in 24 hrs can be overwhelming. The frequency also makes it hard to remember — an alarm wristwatch is used.

Question 18

Clients with AIDs (gain/lose) weight?

Answer 18

Lose

Question 19

The typical pneumonia of AIDS is caused by ____

Answer 19

Pneumocystic carinii

Question 20

What type of oral/esophageal infections do AIDS patients get?

Answer 20

Candida

Question 21

What is the #1 cancer that AIDS patients get?

Answer 21

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Question 22

Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer of the ___

Answer 22

Skin

Question 23

Can AIDS patients get lymphomas?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

What lab findings are present in AIDS

Answer 24

Decreased RBC, WBC, platelets

Question 25

If the AIDS patient has leukopenia they will be on ___

Answer 25

Protective (reverse) isolation

Question 26

Without leukopenia the AIDS patient will be on ____ precautions.

Answer 26

Standard precautions or blood and body fluid precautions

Question 27

When the AIDS patient has a low platelet count, what is indicated?

Answer 27

Bleeding precautions: NO IM’s, no rectal temp, other bleeding precautions.

Question 28

Does AIDS require a single room?

Answer 28

YES — if WBC is low

Question 29

When do you need a gown with AIDS?

Answer 29

If you are going to get contaminated with secretions.

Question 30

When do you need a mask with AIDS?

Answer 30

Not usually unless they have an infection caused by an airborne bug.

Question 31

When do you need goggles with AIDS?

Answer 31

Suctioning, central line start, arterial procedures

Question 32

If an AIDs patients blood contaminates a counter top with what do you clean

Answer 32

1:10 solution of bleach and water

Question 33

Are all articles used by AIDS patients double bagged?

Answer 33

NO — only those contaminated with secretions.

Question 34

Can AIDS patients leave the floor?

Answer 34

Yes, unless WBCs are very low