Human Immunodeficiency Virus CAT Flashcards
1
Q
What is HIV?
A
- A retrovirus that initially invades and destroys cells w/in the immune system
2
Q
At what point will a patient show symptoms of HIV?
A
Once T-cells decrease to a specific threshold
3
Q
How is HIV transmitted?
A
Through contact w/ blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk
4
Q
Largest risk factor for HIV transmission
A
Unprotected sex
5
Q
Stages of HIV
A
- Acute HIV infection
- Clinical Latency/Asymptomatic HIV
- AIDS
6
Q
Stage 1: Acute HIV infection
A
- 2-4 weeks after initial transmission
- Symptoms range from asymptomatic to flu-like symptoms (fever, rash, myalgia, arthralgia, headaches)
- Highest risk of transmitting to others
7
Q
Stage 2: Clinical Latency/Asymptomatic HIV
A
- ART can prolong life for decades
- W/o ART it’s about 10 years before disease progresses to AIDS
8
Q
Stage 3: AIDS
A
- # of CD4 drops below 200 cells/mm^3
- AIDS-defining illness
- W/o treatment, 3 years before death
- After opportunistic illness, 1 year before death
9
Q
Lab/imaging for HIV
A
- Blood tests
10
Q
Normal T-call count
A
500-1200 cells/mm^3
11
Q
PT management w/ HIV
A
Address secondary impairments to optimize fitness
