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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Vesicles on the skin are more commonly associated with cutaneous anthrax, not inhalation anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax typically presents with a raised, itchy bump that develops into a painless sore with a black center.
Choice B Reason:
Respiratory failure is a severe and common symptom of inhalation anthrax. Inhalation anthrax begins with flu-like symptoms but can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress, shock, and often death if not treated promptly.
Choice C Reason:
Flu-like symptoms are indeed an early sign of inhalation anthrax, but they are not specific enough to indicate exposure definitively. These symptoms include sore throat, mild fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
Choice D Reason:
Coughing of blood can occur in the later stages of inhalation anthrax as the disease progresses and the respiratory system becomes severely compromised.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: WBC count:
An elevated white blood cell (WBC) count is a common indicator of infection. The body produces more white blood cells to fight off infections, making this a key marker for identifying infections in patients with pressure ulcers. Monitoring WBC count helps in assessing the presence and severity of an infection, guiding appropriate treatment.
Choice B reason: BUN:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are used to assess kidney function and hydration status. Elevated BUN levels can indicate dehydration or kidney dysfunction but are not specific indicators of infection. While important for overall health assessment, BUN is not directly related to detecting infections in pressure ulcers.
Choice C reason: Potassium:
Potassium levels are crucial for maintaining normal cellular function, particularly in the heart and muscles. Abnormal potassium levels can indicate issues such as kidney dysfunction or electrolyte imbalances but do not specifically indicate infection. Monitoring potassium is important for overall health but not for diagnosing infections in pressure ulcers.