Question

Define the following:

Sign and Symptoms of AIDS
Diagnostic Test (confirmatory) of AIDS
Nursing Management of AIDS

Answer 1

Q.N.1

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is also known as Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The infection causes progressive destruction of the cell-mediated immune system by eliminating CD4 and T-helper lymphocytes in the body. When the CD4 lymphocyte count falls below 200 cells/ml of blood, the HIV patient has progressed to a state of  AIDS. It is a condition characterized by deficiency in cell-mediated immunity and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

Q.N.2

The diagnosis is purely laboratory based.Blood tests are the most common way to diagnose HIV. ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection. If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is usually administered to confirm the diagnosis. If an ELISA test is negative, be tested again in one to three months. ELISA is quite sensitive in chronic HIV infection, but because antibodies aren't produced immediately upon infection, patient may test negative during a window of a few weeks to a few months after being infected. Western Blot: This is a very sensitive blood test used to confirm a positive ELISA test result.

Q.N.3

• Management of oppertunistic infection is necessary.
• Aseess the nutritional pattern of the patient.
• Address abnormalities in psychological and neurologic development.
• Psychosocial support is extremely important. Failure to provide such services can result in a lack of compliance with medications and treatment.
• High-energy, high-protein nutritional supplements are commonly administered.
• Do not give any food or water that has a high risk of being contaminated with any infectious agent. HIV and accompanying opportunistic infections can worsen GI symptoms.
• Protect from oppertunistic infections.
• Take contact precautions.