A client who is HIV-positive is in her second trimester and remains asymptomatic. She voices concern about her newborn's risk for the infection. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
"You'll probably have a cesarean birth to prevent exposing your newborn."
"Antiretroviral medications are available to help reduce the risk of transmission."
"Wait until after the infant is born, and then something can be done."
"Antibodies cross the placenta and provide immunity to the newborn."
The Correct Answer is B
A. "You'll probably have a cesarean birth to prevent exposing your newborn."
This statement suggests a specific intervention without addressing the broader context of HIV management during pregnancy. While a cesarean birth may be recommended in certain cases to reduce the risk of vertical transmission of HIV, it is not the only or primary measure taken. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is typically the mainstay of treatment during pregnancy to suppress viral load and reduce transmission risk.
B. "Antiretroviral medications are available to help reduce the risk of transmission."
This response provides accurate information about the use of antiretroviral medications during pregnancy to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. ART is a critical component of HIV management in pregnant women and has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of vertical transmission when used appropriately.
C. "Wait until after the infant is born, and then something can be done."
This statement is not appropriate because it suggests delaying action until after the infant is born, which may increase the risk of HIV transmission during childbirth. Prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy is essential to maximize the chances of preventing vertical transmission.
D. "Antibodies cross the placenta and provide immunity to the newborn."
While it is true that antibodies can cross the placenta and provide passive immunity to the newborn for certain infections, including some viral illnesses, this statement is not directly relevant to preventing HIV transmission from an HIV-positive mother to her newborn. Unlike some infections where maternal antibodies can confer protection to the infant, HIV transmission is not prevented solely by passive immunity. Instead, active measures such as antiretroviral therapy are necessary to reduce transmission risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC):
DIC is a serious condition characterized by abnormal clotting throughout the body's blood vessels, leading to both bleeding and clotting simultaneously. While it can occur in severe cases of HELLP syndrome, it is not a specific finding used to diagnose HELLP syndrome. Instead, it's a complication that can develop due to various underlying conditions, including HELLP syndrome.
B. Elevated platelet count:
In HELLP syndrome, platelet count is typically decreased, not elevated. HELLP syndrome stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. The low platelet count is a key diagnostic feature of HELLP syndrome and contributes to the risk of bleeding complications.
C. Elevated liver enzymes:
Elevated liver enzymes, particularly elevated levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase), are hallmark features of HELLP syndrome. Liver involvement is a significant component of this syndrome, and elevated liver enzymes are part of the diagnostic criteria.
D. Hyperglycemia:
While hyperglycemia can occur in various conditions, it is not a characteristic finding of HELLP syndrome. HELLP syndrome primarily affects the liver, blood clotting factors, and platelets, leading to features such as elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count, and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. adjunct therapy to radiation and chemotherapy:
This option is not applicable to HIV/AIDS treatment. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is specifically used to treat HIV infection by targeting the replication of the virus. It is not used as adjunct therapy to radiation or chemotherapy, which are treatments typically used for cancer.
B. treatment of opportunistic infections:
While antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help prevent opportunistic infections by boosting the immune system, its primary purpose is not the treatment of these infections. Rather, ART focuses on suppressing the replication of the HIV virus itself.
C. reduction in viral loads in the blood:
This is the correct rationale for antiretroviral therapy. The main goal of ART is to reduce the viral load in the blood to undetectable levels. By doing so, ART helps to slow the progression of HIV infection, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
D. can cure acute HIV/AIDS infections:
This statement is incorrect. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) is highly effective in controlling HIV infection and preventing progression to AIDS, it does not cure acute HIV/AIDS infections. HIV remains a chronic condition that requires lifelong management with ART.
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