HIV & AIDS Nursing Lecture – Key Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering essential terms, diagnostics, pharmacology, prevention strategies, and complications of HIV/AIDS discussed in the lecture.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A retrovirus that targets CD4⁺ T-cells, progressively weakening the immune system and, if untreated, can lead to AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

The final stage of HIV infection, diagnosed when CD4 count falls below 200 cells/µL or an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection/cancer is present.

CD4 T-cell

A white blood cell crucial to immune defense; its depletion by HIV is used to track disease progression.

Viral Load

The amount of HIV RNA in the blood; indicates severity of infection and effectiveness of therapy.

Opportunistic Infection

Illness that takes advantage of a weakened immune system, e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia or candidiasis in AIDS patients.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Combination drug regimen that suppresses HIV replication and restores immune function.

Protease Inhibitor

ART class blocking HIV protease enzyme, preventing new virus particles from maturing.

Fusion Inhibitor

ART class that stops HIV from fusing with the host CD4 cell membrane.

Integrase Inhibitor

ART class that prevents viral DNA from integrating into the host genome.

NNRTI (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor)

Drug class that binds directly to reverse transcriptase, inhibiting viral RNA-to-DNA conversion.

Cocktail (Combination Therapy)

Use of multiple antiretrovirals targeting different replication steps to achieve maximal viral suppression.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Daily antiretroviral (e.g., Truvada, Descovy) taken by HIV-negative people at high risk to prevent infection.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

28-day ART regimen begun within hours after potential HIV exposure to prevent seroconversion.

Window Period

Time between HIV exposure and detectable antibody production; screening tests may be negative during this phase.

Seroconversion

Point at which newly infected individuals develop detectable HIV antibodies.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

Primary screening test used to detect HIV antibodies in blood.

Western Blot

Confirmatory lab test that identifies specific HIV antibodies after a positive ELISA.

Zidovudine (AZT)

Early nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for treatment and to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

Concept that people with sustained undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV.

Kaposi’s Sarcoma

AIDS-defining cancer presenting as purple skin or mucosal lesions caused by HHV-8.

AIDS Dementia Complex

Neurologic complication of advanced HIV leading to cognitive and motor impairment.

Wasting Syndrome

Involuntary weight loss (>10%), chronic diarrhea, or weakness due to advanced HIV disease.

Standard Precautions

Universal infection-control practices (e.g., hand hygiene, gloves) to prevent blood-borne pathogen transmission.

Needle Safety Device

Engineering control that shields or retracts used needles, reducing healthcare sharps injuries.

CD4 Count <200 cells/µL

Laboratory threshold used, with clinical criteria, to define progression from HIV infection to AIDS.