A nurse is presenting a community-based program about HIV and AIDS. A client asks the nurse to describe the initial symptoms experienced with HIV infection. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the explanation of initial symptoms?
Flu-like symptoms and night sweats
Fungal and bacterial infections
Pneumocystis lung infection
Kaposi’s sarcoma
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Flu-like symptoms and night sweats
The initial symptoms of HIV infection often resemble those of the flu. These symptoms, known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection, typically occur within 2 to 4 weeks after the virus enters the body. Common symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. These symptoms are the body’s natural response to the virus and indicate that the immune system is reacting to the infection. Night sweats, in particular, are a common symptom during the early stages of HIV infection.
Choice B: Fungal and bacterial infections
Fungal and bacterial infections are more commonly associated with later stages of HIV infection, particularly when the immune system has been significantly weakened. As HIV progresses and the immune system deteriorates, individuals become more susceptible to opportunistic infections, which are infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are not typically seen in the initial stages of HIV infection.
Choice C: Pneumocystis lung infection
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious infection that occurs in people with weakened immune systems, including those with advanced HIV/AIDS. It is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. PCP is not an initial symptom of HIV infection but rather a complication that can arise when the immune system is severely compromised. This infection is more indicative of the later stages of HIV, particularly when the CD4 cell count drops significantly.
Choice D: Kaposi’s sarcoma
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. It is caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and is commonly associated with advanced HIV infection or AIDS. Kaposi’s sarcoma presents as purple, red, or brown blotches or tumors on the skin and can also affect internal organs. This condition is not an initial symptom of HIV infection but rather a manifestation of severe immune system damage in the later stages of the disease.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Blurred vision:
While blurred vision can occur in some cases of meningitis, it is not one of the most common or definitive symptoms. Meningitis primarily affects the meninges, leading to symptoms like headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Blurred vision might be a secondary symptom due to increased intracranial pressure, but it is not as typical as other symptoms.
Choice B reason: Severe headache:
A severe headache is a hallmark symptom of meningitis. This headache is often described as intense and different from typical headaches. It is caused by the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The headache is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.
Choice C reason: Oriented to person, place, and year:
Being oriented to person, place, and year indicates normal cognitive function. However, meningitis can cause confusion, altered mental status, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Therefore, this finding would not be expected in a client with meningitis.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia:
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with meningitis. Meningitis symptoms are more related to the central nervous system and include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Bradycardia might occur in other conditions but is not a common finding in meningitis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Intense pruritus: While itching (pruritus) can be a symptom of skin conditions, it is not a definitive sign of malignancy in nevi. Pruritus can be associated with benign conditions such as eczema or allergic reactions. However, if a mole starts to itch, it should be monitored closely, but it is not as strong an indicator of malignancy as irregular borders.
Choice B reason:
Irregular borders: This is a significant sign of potential malignancy in nevi. Melanomas often have uneven, notched, or scalloped borders, unlike benign moles, which typically have smooth, even borders. The irregularity in the border is due to the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, which can spread unevenly.
Choice C reason:
Uniform pigmentation: Uniform pigmentation is generally a sign of a benign mole. Malignant moles often have multiple colors or an uneven distribution of color, which can include shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue. A mole with uniform color is less likely to be malignant.
Choice D reason:
Purulent drainage: While purulent drainage (pus) indicates an infection, it is not a typical sign of malignancy in nevi. Infections can occur in any skin lesion, but they do not specifically indicate cancer. Malignant moles are more likely to change in size, shape, or color rather than produce pus.