Question

When reviewing signs and symptoms of HIV infection the nurse realize that

1. After exposure patients may remain symptom free for greater than 8 years

2. Within a week many patients will have respiratory distress

3. Initial symptoms may include seizures

4. Patients always experience a mask like rash on their face

Answer 1

ANSWER :

OPTION 1 - After exposure patients may remain symptom free for greater than 8 years.

REASON :

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIV :

1.STAGE I - Acute HIV infection

• Within 2 - 4 wks after infection two third of people will have flu like illness( Fever, chills ,rash ,night sweats and muscle aches).

2.STAGE II - Chronic HIV infection(Clinical latency)

• In this stage virus multiplies at very low levels.People in this stage do not feel sick or have no symptoms.
• Without HIV treatment , people stay in this stage for 10 - 15 years without any signs and symptoms of HIV .

3.STAGE III - AIDS

• This is the last stage of HIV infection.If the patient have HIV and he is not on HIV treatment , the virus weakens the patients immune system and will progress to AIDS.
• Symptoms include - rapid weight loss , recurrent fever , pneumonia , neurologic disorders ,profuse night sweats , lymphnode enlargement , sores of the mouth ,anus or genitals , red ,brown ,pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth.