Chamberlain College of Nursing NURSING NR 324Week 6 RUA NR 324- Final copy

HIV and AIDS By: Crixtin, Angie, Danielle, Dana, and Stephanie This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY- Pathophysiology • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome known as (AIDS) is a chronic infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It destroys the helper T lymphocytes cells which results in the loss of immunity response in the body and increases susceptibility to secondary infections and cancer. • HIV/AIDS is characterized by a silent prolonged latent period followed by an active period of infection. An individual is considered HIVpositive when the virus is known to be present in the body, which can be determined by the CD4 count (increased viral load). However, during this time the virus can be “silent” meaning that the individual will be asymptomatic. • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the last stage of the active infection with marked clinical manifestations and multiple complicationsAnindividualmaybeHIVpositive Clinical Manifestations