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Nur 3125 Simple Nursing Template
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- NUR 3125
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- Florida Southwestern State College
This is a comprehensive and detailed template on HIV
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Human Immunodeficiency VirusMed Surg: Hematology
Pathophysiology & Causes
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system
& if not treated, it can lead to AIDS
(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which interferes
with the body's ability to fight infections. The virus can be
transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen
or vaginal fluids; commonly from unprotected sex, blood
transfusions, hypodermic needles & from mother to child
(during pregnancy).
Once exposed the virus replicates inside the body by
hijacking or taking over & killing the CD4+ cells (T helper
cells). These cells are vital in fighting off infections &
diseases. Since HIV cannot reproduce on its own, it
attaches itself to these T-helper cells & fuses together
with it becoming one. HIV belongs to a group of viruses
known as retroviruses, which carry their genetic material
in the form of ribonucleic acid(RNA) rather than
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Signs & Symptoms Stages of HIV to AIDS
Within a few weeks flu-like symptoms appear: • Stage 1 - HIV Primary Infection
• Fatigue Initially upon contracting HIV, there is a period during
• Fever & night sweats which HIV tests appear as a false negative on the HIV
antibody blood test, although clients are infected &
• Sore throat
highly infectious. Characterized by high levels of viral
• Weight loss
replication with destruction & dramatic drops of CD4+
• Diarrhea T-cells counts. Once viral load stabilized, there are no
• Then asymptomatic (no signs / symptoms) signs & symptoms as the virus goes dormant until CD4+
until it progresses to AIDS (late stage of HIV). levels drop below the 200 count.
• AIDS s/s - Frequent infections as CD4+ cells decrease
• Stage 2 - AIDS
(decreased immunity)
When CD4+ T-cells drop below 200 cells/mm3 the
client is considered to have AIDS.
Diagnostic Procedures
Treatments: HAART Therapy
• EIA: Antibodies are detected, resulting in positive results
• HAART - Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
and marking the end of the window period from initial
multiple drugs that act on different viral targets is
contraction.
known as
• Western blot: Also detects antibodies to HIV; used to
• Zidovudine: is given to pregnant women to prevent HIV
confirm EIA
crossing the placenta
• Viral load: Measures HIV RNA in the plasma
• CD4/CD8: These are markers found on lymphocytes. HIV
kills CD4+ cells, which results in a significantly impaired
immune system
Education & Interventions
• Monitor for fever, cough, sore throat etc. could mean
deadly infection is setting in & CD4+ count is dropping
• Monitor declining hemodynamic measurements &
weight.
• Compliance with medication regimen (HAART therapy)
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