A patients current antiretroviral regimen includes nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). What dietary counseling will the nurse provide based on the patients medication regimen?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are a class of antiretroviral medications typically recommended to be taken without regard to meals. This means that these medications can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding the timing of medication administration. Taking NRTIs without regard to meals helps ensure consistent absorption of the medication and can help maintain steady drug levels in the body. There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with NRTIs in terms of meal timing or composition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During the primary infection stage of HIV, the patient is newly infected with the virus. At this stage, the patient's immune system has not yet produced HIV-specific antibodies, making it difficult to detect HIV infection using standard antibody tests. Instead, the virus can be detected by testing for the presence of HIV RNA or p24 antigen. The primary infection stage is characterized by a high level of viral replication and rapid spread of the virus throughout the body. In this early stage, the patient may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. The absence of HIV-specific antibodies means that the patient is highly infectious and can easily transmit the virus to others. As the infection progresses, the patient will eventually develop HIV-specific antibodies, which can be detected through antibody tests.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Megestrol is a synthetic progestational agent that has been found to promote significant weight gain in AIDS patients with wasting syndrome by increasing body fat stores. It is commonly used to stimulate appetite and increase caloric intake in patients experiencing anorexia and weight loss due to various medical conditions, including AIDS-related wasting. Megestrol works by increasing appetite and improving food intake, leading to weight gain and improved nutritional status in patients with HIV/AIDS. It has been shown to be effective in reversing weight loss and improving quality of life in these patients. Therefore, the drug megestrol is the most appropriate choice for promoting weight gain in AIDS patients with wasting syndrome and anorexia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with AIDS experiencing extreme anxiety is to teach the patient guided imagery. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help the patient reduce anxiety levels, promote a sense of calm, and improve overall well-being. By teaching the patient how to use guided imagery, the nurse empowers the patient to manage her anxiety in a non-pharmacological way. This intervention promotes self-care and allows the patient to have a tool to use independently beyond the hospital setting. Giving the patient more control of her antiretroviral regimen may be beneficial for adherence but does not directly address the anxiety symptoms. Increasing the patient's activity level may be helpful for overall well-being but may not specifically target the extreme anxiety. Collaborating with the patient's physician to obtain an order for hydromorphone, a potent opioid medication, is not appropriate unless it is indicated for severe pain management, not anxiety.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient should continue taking his corticosteroids regularly prior to testing. Corticosteroids can suppress the body's immune response and affect the results of skin tests by potentially causing a false-negative result. Instructing the patient to maintain his regular corticosteroid regimen will help ensure accurate testing results. It is essential to consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate timing for testing in relation to corticosteroid use.