Complications/ Opportunistic Infections Flashcards
What are opportunistic infections?
Infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems.
True or False: Opportunistic infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
True
Name one common opportunistic infection in HIV patients.
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
What is the primary cause of opportunistic infections?
A compromised immune system.
Fill in the blank: Patients with _____ are at higher risk for opportunistic infections.
HIV/AIDS
Which type of nursing action is essential in preventing opportunistic infections?
Strict adherence to infection control practices.
What is the implication of untreated opportunistic infections?
Increased morbidity and mortality in affected patients.
True or False: Opportunistic infections can be prevented with proper prophylactic treatments.
True
What are two common nursing interventions for patients at risk of opportunistic infections?
Monitoring vital signs and maintaining aseptic techniques.
Name a fungal opportunistic infection.
Candidiasis
True or False: All opportunistic infections are treatable.
False
What is one treatment option for Pneumocystis pneumonia?
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
Fill in the blank: The presence of _____ can indicate an opportunistic infection.
CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³
What is the role of antiretroviral therapy in preventing opportunistic infections?
It helps to restore immune function and lower the risk of infections.
Name one viral opportunistic infection.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection
Which nursing action is crucial during the treatment of opportunistic infections?
Educating the patient about medication adherence.
What laboratory test is important for monitoring the risk of opportunistic infections?
CD4 T-cell count.
True or False: Opportunistic infections can only occur in patients with HIV/AIDS.
False
What is a common bacterial opportunistic infection?
Tuberculosis.
Fill in the blank: Patients undergoing _____ therapy are at higher risk for opportunistic infections.
immunosuppressive
What is the significance of prophylactic antibiotics in at-risk populations?
They reduce the incidence of certain opportunistic infections.
Name one symptom that may indicate an opportunistic infection.
Fever.
What is the impact of nutritional status on opportunistic infections?
Poor nutritional status can further weaken the immune system.
True or False: Vaccination can help prevent some opportunistic infections.
True
What is the purpose of regular health screenings in high-risk patients?
To detect and treat opportunistic infections early.
Fill in the blank: _____ is a common parasitic opportunistic infection.
Toxoplasmosis
When is the CD4 count at risk for an Opportunistic Infection?
People with HIV are at greatest risk for Opportunistic Infections (OIs) when the count of their infection-fighting CD4 cells falls below 200. However, some OIs can occur when a person’s CD4 count is below 500.
