A nurse is educating a client who has HIV about the infection process. Which of the following features of the virus should the nurse explain can result in opportunistic infection?
Conversion of the virus's RNA into DNA
Having reverse transcriptase enzyme
Containing only a single strand of genetic material
Ability to target and destroy CD4 lymphocytes
The Correct Answer is D
A. The conversion of RNA into DNA is a critical step in the HIV lifecycle, but it does not directly lead to opportunistic infections; instead, it allows the virus to integrate into the host’s genome.
B. Having reverse transcriptase enzyme is a characteristic of retroviruses like HIV that facilitates replication, but it does not cause opportunistic infections directly.
C. HIV containing a single strand of genetic material is a feature of its classification as a retrovirus but is not related to the risk of opportunistic infections.
D. The ability of HIV to target and destroy CD4 lymphocytes is the key reason for opportunistic infections. CD4 cells are crucial for the immune response, and their depletion leads to immunosuppression, making the client susceptible to infections that would not typically affect an individual with a healthy immune system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increased pH and increased HCO3 levels, which does not fit the provided values.
B. The low HCO3 of 18 mEq indicates a metabolic acidosis, as the body is unable to retain enough bicarbonate to balance the acid levels, and the pH is also low at 7.30, confirming acidosis.
C. Respiratory alkalosis would show a high pH and low PaCO2, which is not the case here.
D. Respiratory acidosis would be indicated by a high PaCO2 and a low pH, but the HCO3 level is low, indicating a metabolic issue rather than a respiratory one.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Pneumocystis lung infection is an opportunistic infection that typically occurs in later stages of HIV/AIDS when the immune system is significantly weakened, not during the initial phase of infection.
B. Fungal and bacterial infections are also associated with advanced HIV/AIDS due to immunosuppression and not seen in the initial phase of infection.
C. Flu-like symptoms and night sweats are common initial symptoms of HIV infection, often occurring 2-4 weeks after exposure during the acute retroviral syndrome phase.
D. Kaposi's sarcoma is a cancer associated with advanced HIV/AIDS and does not manifest during the initial symptoms of infection.
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