Ch 32: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A set of practice flashcards covering the pathophysiology, transmission, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of HIV and AIDS based on lecture notes.

HIV

A virus that attacks the body's white blood cells, called CD4 T cells, which weaken the immune system.

HIV-1

A type of HIV that is more easily transmissible, more likely to be progressive, and more common than HIV-2.

HIV-2

A type of HIV that is less common and less likely to be progressive than HIV-1.

Mode of transmission for HIV/AIDS diagnosis

The five primary categories established by the CDC: Male to Male sexual contact, Injection drug use, Heterosexual contact, Mother to child (perinatal) transmission, and Other.

Retroviruses

A classification for HIV where the transcription of genetic material is reversed from RNA to DNA.

HIV shape

Spherical.

HIV protein markers

Two markers on the virus that are likely to attach to macrophages and T4 or CD4 helper cells.

3rd stage of HIV

The phase where patients can experience opportunistic infections due to low T cells.

AIDS (CD4 threshold)

When CD4 cell levels fall below $200\,cells/mm^3$.

Wasting syndrome

A condition experienced by almost all HIV patients characterized by weight loss and malnutrition.

ELISA (Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay)

The initial lab test for HIV that measures protein hormones, antibodies, and antigens in a liquid sample.

HIV RNA Test

A viral load test that confirms the diagnosis and active infection.

CD4 + T Cell count

A critical clinical measurement used to assess progression to AIDS.

Daily temperature check

A nursing care requirement for HIV patients due to autoimmune deficiency.

Signs of Opportunistic Infection

Clinical manifestations including cough, SOB, persistent diarrhea, night sweats, oral thrush, skin lesions, confusion, and vision changes.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

A condition indicated by the presence of purple or brown lesions on the skin.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Medical treatment for HIV that requires assessment for adherence, missed doses, and side effects.

Respiratory assessment

Checking lung sounds, cough sputum, dyspnea, and O2 saturation.

Neurological assessment

Evaluating orientation, cognition, weakness, headaches, numbness/tingling, and mental status.

Routine analgesia

Pain medication provided during end-of-life care for HIV patients.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia

An expected condition in HIV patients that requires preventative measures and immediate intervention.

Infection control teaching

Educating the patient that bacterial infections will be recurring and the importance of personal/hand hygiene.

Transcription in HIV

The process of converting genetic material from RNA to DNA.

CD4 T cells

White blood cells targeted by HIV, leading to a severely impaired immune response.

Macrophages

Cells to which HIV markers are likely to attach.

T4 cells

Another name for CD4 helper cells that HIV attaches to using protein markers.

Perinatal transmission

The category for mother to child transmission of HIV.

Clinical manifestations of HIV

Usually vague symptoms including fatigue and weight loss.

AIDS CD4 Count

A measurement of less than $200\,mm^3$.

Vital signs monitoring

Assessment of fever, tachycardia, respiratory changes, and O2 saturation.

Oral thrush

A sign of opportunistic infection affecting the mouth and mucous membranes.

Skin and mucous assessment

Checking for lesions, rashes, wounds, and oral ulcers.

GI/Nutrition assessment

Focuses on weight loss, appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swallowing, and hydration.

Psychological assessment

Evaluates depression, anxiety, coping, stigma, support systems, and safety.

Support groups

A resource nursing care encourages patients to join for psychological help.

Medication adherence

A factor nurses must monitor to ensure patients are correctly using their antiviral meds.

Bacterial infections

Expected to be recurring in HIV patients, making infection control important.

Vaginal secretion

One of the bodily fluids capable of transmitting HIV.

Semen

A bodily fluid via which HIV can be transmitted.

Breast Milk

A bodily fluid involved in the transmission of HIV.

Tachycardia

A fast heart rate that should be monitored during vital signs assessments.

DNA to RNA

The normal direction of transcription that is reversed in HIV.

Unusual skin lesions

A sign of opportunistic infection or Kaposi's Sarcoma.

High virus levels

The state of the virus in the blood when a patient is considered to have AIDS.

Injection drug use

One of the five primary transmission categories established by the CDC.