Antiretroviral Therapy
What is the goal of antiretroviral therapy for an HIV patient?
Prevent Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Cure the disease
Prevent asthma complications
Prolong life by decreasing the viral load
Antiretroviral Medication Administration
Which of the following are important instructions for HIV/AIDS antiretroviral
medication administration? Select all that apply.
If the patient experiences trouble breathing, fever, changes in oral mucosa
(opportunistic infection), notify the prescriber immediately
Give on an empty stomach
Instruct the patient to remain upright while administering the medication and for up
to 30 minutes afterward to prevent esophageal ulceration Administer in evenly
spaced intervals around the clock to ensure steadystate levels
Viruses and Bacteria
Viruses are more challenging to treat than bacteria because replication occurs inside
the host cells, so medications must enter the cell.
The Best Response
What is the best response to Omar?
, “You will need to return frequently to check your labs for medication success. We
will monitor your viral load and CD4 counts throughout therapy to ensure the
medications are working properly. I hear you are upset about the diagnosis. May I
share with you the goals and benefits of treatment?”
“I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Yes, we will see you back in a few years
when your symptoms worsen.”
“You will need to return frequently to check your labs for medication success. We
will monitor your viral load and CD4 counts throughout therapy to ensure the
medications are working properly. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I would be
devastated as well.”
Responding to Patients
Using the drop-down menus, complete the phrase showing how should the nurse
respond?
“Great! Patients that are treated with antiretroviral medications, that you are going
to be prescribed, often do not even make it through to the last stage. Progression is
drastically slowed by taking your medications.”
Teaching Points for Omar
The nurse is compiling a document of teaching points she wants to make to Omar and a sheet
she will print out for him to take home.
Which instructions regarding antiretroviral medications will she include?
What is the goal of antiretroviral therapy for an HIV patient?
Prevent Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Cure the disease
Prevent asthma complications
Prolong life by decreasing the viral load
Antiretroviral Medication Administration
Which of the following are important instructions for HIV/AIDS antiretroviral
medication administration? Select all that apply.
If the patient experiences trouble breathing, fever, changes in oral mucosa
(opportunistic infection), notify the prescriber immediately
Give on an empty stomach
Instruct the patient to remain upright while administering the medication and for up
to 30 minutes afterward to prevent esophageal ulceration Administer in evenly
spaced intervals around the clock to ensure steadystate levels
Viruses and Bacteria
Viruses are more challenging to treat than bacteria because replication occurs inside
the host cells, so medications must enter the cell.
The Best Response
What is the best response to Omar?
, “You will need to return frequently to check your labs for medication success. We
will monitor your viral load and CD4 counts throughout therapy to ensure the
medications are working properly. I hear you are upset about the diagnosis. May I
share with you the goals and benefits of treatment?”
“I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Yes, we will see you back in a few years
when your symptoms worsen.”
“You will need to return frequently to check your labs for medication success. We
will monitor your viral load and CD4 counts throughout therapy to ensure the
medications are working properly. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, I would be
devastated as well.”
Responding to Patients
Using the drop-down menus, complete the phrase showing how should the nurse
respond?
“Great! Patients that are treated with antiretroviral medications, that you are going
to be prescribed, often do not even make it through to the last stage. Progression is
drastically slowed by taking your medications.”
Teaching Points for Omar
The nurse is compiling a document of teaching points she wants to make to Omar and a sheet
she will print out for him to take home.
Which instructions regarding antiretroviral medications will she include?
