The nurse should know that once human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters the body, seroconversion to HIV positivity usually occurs within:

Choice A reason: CD4 counts are not used to detect HIV, but to monitor the progression of the infection and the immune system status. CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that HIV targets and destroys. A normal CD4 count ranges from 500 to 1,500 cells per microliter of blood. A low CD4 count indicates a high risk of opportunistic infections and AIDS.

Choice B reason: Virus is a vague term that does not specify what kind of virus is being detected. HIV is a type of virus that belongs to the retrovirus family. It is difficult to detect the virus itself, as it hides inside the host cells and has a low concentration in the blood. Therefore, most laboratory tests focus on the antibodies that the body produces in response to the virus.

Choice C reason: HIV antibodies are the most common way to detect HIV, as they are produced by the immune system to fight the virus. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens (foreign substances) and mark them for destruction. HIV antibodies can be detected by a blood test, a saliva test, or a rapid test. However, antibodies may take several weeks to develop after exposure, so a negative test does not rule out the possibility of infection.

Choice D reason: CD8 counts are not used to detect HIV, but to monitor the immune system response and the viral load. CD8 cells are a type of white blood cell that kill infected cells and secrete antiviral substances. A high CD8 count indicates a strong immune response and a low viral load. A low CD8 count indicates a weak immune response and a high viral load.

Choice A reason: The HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer, as it protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can infect the cervix and cause abnormal cell changes that may lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 26.

Choice B reason: The HPV vaccine will not protect you from all types of the virus, as there are more than 100 types of HPV, and the vaccine only covers 9 of them. However, these 9 types are responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers and 80% of anal cancers. The vaccine also does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV.

Choice C reason: You will not need to have a booster vaccination each year, as the HPV vaccine is given in a series of 2 or 3 doses, depending on the age of the person. The vaccine provides long-lasting protection, and no additional doses are needed after completing the series.

Choice D reason: You will still need to get a routine cervical exam, as the HPV vaccine does not eliminate the risk of cervical cancer completely. The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV, and some people may already be infected with HPV before getting the vaccine. Therefore, regular screening with a Pap test and/or an HPV test is still recommended for women aged 21 to 65 to detect any abnormal cells or HPV infection in the cervix.