Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide

Signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS: • Flu-like symptoms • Fever • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Lymphadenopathy • Anorexia • Cough • Dyspnea • Chest pain (pleuritic) • Pneumonia Nursing assessment for HIV/AIDS: •

Muscle wasting Weight loss Chronic infections Candida (oral and skin) Systemic candida Periodontitis Dementia Vertigo Depression Other STD’s (HPV, Herpes, etc.)

• • • • • • • • • •

Head to toe general assessment o Check breath sounds and respiratory status; loos for labored breathing, rate, cough, and pulse oximetry o Check temperature o Skin assessment • Take a thorough nutrition history o Check for oral thrush o Inquire about GI complaints o Check baseline height andweight • Inquire about exposure history; sexual behavior, IV drug use, needle stick injury, etc. • Assess neurological status; LOC (level of consciousness), vision, balance, and sensory (touch) • Assess knowledge of disease process, transmission, support system, andresources • Evaluate laboratory and radiology reports o HIV testing for antibodies; Western blot and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) o CBC with differential with emphasis on platelets andlymphocytes o CD4 count: Range is (600-1000/mm3); check for number under 750/mm3; anything below 200/mm3 is severe and may be possible AIDS development o Plasma HIV-1 RNA Viral Load; shows viral replication o BUN, protein, and albumin levels for nutrition o Chest x-ray for pneumonia o Electrolytes if vomiting and diarrhea are present and persistent

©2018

Achieve

Page 53

of 203