A nurse is caring for a client with HIV. Which laboratory test would be used to assess the effectiveness of therapy?
Viral load count
Western blot
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test
Platelet count
The Correct Answer is A
A. Viral load count is the primary test used to assess the effectiveness of HIV therapy by measuring the amount of HIV RNA in the blood, indicating how well the treatment is controlling the virus.
B. The Western blot is used as a confirmatory test for HIV diagnosis rather than monitoring therapy effectiveness.
C. The Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test is used for initial HIV screening but does not measure viral load or therapy effectiveness.
D. Platelet count can be affected in HIV infection, especially with advanced disease, but it does not directly measure the effectiveness of HIV therapy.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Red blood cells (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hg) levels are directly affected by epoetin alfa, which stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow, making these values essential for assessing the medication's effectiveness.
B. The leukocyte count (WBC) is not relevant to the effects of epoetin alfa, as this medication primarily influences erythropoiesis rather than white blood cell production.
C. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific test used to detect inflammation but does not provide information regarding the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
D. The thrombocyte count does not assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa, as this medication is specifically aimed at increasing red blood cell production.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A quantitative RNA assay is used to measure the amount of HIV RNA in the blood and is not used for confirmatory diagnosis after a positive ELISA.
B. The Western blot analysis is the standard confirmatory test for HIV following a positive ELISA result, as it specifically detects the presence of antibodies to HIV proteins.
C. A viral load test assesses the level of virus in the blood but does not confirm the diagnosis of HIV.
D. The CD4+ T-cell count is used to assess immune function in individuals with HIV but is not a confirmatory test for the diagnosis of the virus.