A client with nasal congestion receives a prescription for phenylephrine 10 mg PO every 4 hours. Which client condition should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication?

Choice A Reason:

Polyuria, or excessive urination, is a symptom of diabetes insipidus rather than a side effect of vasopressin. Vasopressin is used to reduce urine output in DI patients. If polyuria persists, it may indicate that the medication is not effective, but it is not a direct side effect that requires immediate reporting.

Choice B Reason:

Low urine specific gravity indicates dilute urine, which is a characteristic of diabetes insipidus. Vasopressin should help concentrate the urine. If low urine specific gravity persists, it may suggest that the medication is not working effectively, but it is not a side effect that necessitates urgent reporting.

Choice C Reason:

Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is another symptom of diabetes insipidus. While vasopressin should help reduce this symptom by controlling urine output, persistent polydipsia may indicate inadequate treatment. However, it is not a side effect of the medication that requires immediate attention.

Choice D Reason:

Worsening headache is a significant side effect that should be reported to the healthcare provider. Headaches can indicate water intoxication or hyponatremia (low sodium levels), which are serious complications of vasopressin therapy. Immediate reporting is necessary to adjust the treatment and prevent further complications.

Choice A Reason:

Antiretroviral medications are effective in decreasing AIDS-related complications. These medications work by reducing the viral load in the body, which helps to maintain the immune system and prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS. By keeping the viral load low, the risk of opportunistic infections and other complications associated with AIDS is significantly reduced.

Choice B Reason:

One of the primary goals of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is to decrease the viral load to an undetectable level. When the viral load is undetectable, it means that the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard laboratory tests. Achieving and maintaining an undetectable viral load is crucial for the health of the individual and helps to prevent the progression of the disease.

Choice C Reason:

It is important to understand that while antiretroviral therapy can control HIV infection and reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, it does not cure the infection. HIV remains in the body, and if the medication is stopped, the viral load will increase again. Continuous adherence to the medication regimen is necessary to keep the virus under control and maintain health.

Choice D Reason:

While antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission, it does not completely prevent it. The concept of “undetectable = untransmittable” (U=U) means that individuals with an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting the virus through sex7. However, it is still important to use other preventive measures, such as condoms, to further reduce the risk of transmission.