resources, and advocacy for individuals living with HIV. These resources offer Charlotte an opportunity to connect with others who have faced similar challenges and to access additional guidance and support. Charlotte’s unexpected HIV diagnosis serves as a reminder of the importance of routine HIV screening, regardless of one’s past behavior. It underscores the significance of comprehensive medical care, psychological support, and an understanding support system in helping individuals cope with a new HIV diagnosis and navigate their path toward optimal health and well-being. Self-Assessment Quiz Question #1 As the nurse providing follow-up care for Charlotte after her positive HIV test, you encounter her understandable distress. She shares, “I don't understand how I could have contracted this; I've been married for five years and have remained completely faithful. Moreover, shouldn't there have been symptoms by now? My husband and daughter haven't experienced any symptoms either!” What would be the most appropriate response in this situation? a. It is probably a false positive—do not worry about it. b. It can take up to eight more years to develop symptoms. c. Symptoms start within 24 hours of contracting the virus. d. You are probably having symptoms and do not know it.
and family responsibilities further complicate her ability to process the diagnosis. Upon confirming the diagnosis, Charlotte's nurse practitioner initiates a comprehensive medical management plan. This includes consultations with infectious disease specialists, initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and regular monitoring of her viral load and CD4+ T-cell count. Charlotte receives counseling on the importance of treatment adherence and safer sexual practices. Recognizing the psychological toll of the diagnosis, Charlotte's healthcare team involves a mental health counselor to help her navigate her emotional journey. Counseling aims to address the fear, stigma, and guilt associated with the diagnosis and equip Charlotte with coping strategies. Charlotte undergoes extensive patient education sessions to increase her understanding of HIV, ART, and the importance of regular medical follow-ups. She learns how to manage potential side effects of her medication and adopts strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Charlotte’s family plays a crucial role in her support network. Open and honest communication within the family is encouraged to foster understanding and empathy. Charlotte's spouse is offered HIV testing and is educated about prevention methods. Charlotte’s nurse practitioner connects her with local support groups and organizations that provide community, Case study 2: Rhonda Rhonda is a nurse who is asked to prepare and teach a lesson about HIV to a group of newly licensed nurses. She has taken care of HIV/AIDS patients before and feels comfortable with their care, but she wants to study and prepare for the lesson that she will give.
Self-Assessment Quiz Question #2 Which information should Rhonda include about worldwide HIV infection?
a. Most people with HIV live in industrialized countries. b. Nearly 90% of people living with HIV are aware of their status. c. New HIV infections are increasing. d. New HIV infections among children have decreased by 50% since 2010.
SCREENING
● Opt-out HIV screening (notifying the patient that an HIV test will be performed unless the patient declines) is recommended in all healthcare settings. ● Specific signed consent for HIV testing should not be required. General informed consent for medical care is considered sufficient to encompass informed consent for HIV testing. ● Use of Ag/Ab combination tests are encouraged unless persons are unlikely to receive their HIV test results. ● Preliminary positive screening tests for HIV infection must be followed by additional testing to definitively establish the diagnosis. ● Providers should be alert to the possibility of acute HIV infection and perform an antigen/antibody immunoassay or HIV RNA in conjunction with an antibody test. Persons suspected of a recently acquired HIV infection should be referred immediately to an HIV clinical care provider.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF, 2019) has made two recommendations for HIV screening. One recommendation suggests screening all pregnant women, including those where HIV status is unknown during labor or at delivery. The second recommendation suggests screening adolescents and adults aged 15 to 65 years at least once. Younger adolescents and older adults with increased risk of infection should also be screened. The USPSTF recommends these interventions based on the substantial net benefit to the aforementioned groups, (Category A). In addition, the CDC (2023) offers the following guidelines for HIV testing. ● HIV screening is recommended for all persons who seek evaluation or treatment for STDs. This testing should be performed at the time of STD diagnosis in populations at high risk for HIV infection. ● HIV testing must be voluntary and free from coercion. Patients must not be tested without their knowledge. Case study: Mike Mike is a recently married financial planner with a thriving career who is deeply in love with his wife, Jennifer. However, he grapples with a complex personal dilemma—his recognition of being attracted to both men and women that
has led to secret sexual relationships with individuals of both genders. Jennifer remains unaware of Mike's bisexuality, which complicates the matter further.
Page 29
Book Code: MMD0724
EliteLearning.com/Massage-Therapy
Powered by FlippingBook