Question

A nurse is caring for a client at 30 weeks' gestation who has tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Which information would be most appropriate for the nurse to emphasize when reinforcing instruction about prenatal care?

1) maintaining breast skin integrity to help with breastfeeding
2) maintaining compliance with medication therapy
3) ensuring periodic rest periods throughout the day
4) limiting her intake of protein-rich foods
5) increasing fluid intake to 2 liters per day

Answer 1

The nurse should stress the importance of staying compliant with antiretroviral medication therapy for an HIV positive client at 30 weeks' gestation, as this greatly reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client at 30 weeks' gestation who has tested positive for HIV should emphasize the importance of maintaining compliance with medication therapy. This is critical to reduce mother-to-child transmission rates of HIV, which can be lowered significantly with antiretroviral medications given to the mother during pregnancy and to the infant after birth. Additionally, HIV can be transmitted through breast milk, so breastfeeding may not be recommended; instead, bottle feeding can eliminate this risk. Ensuring periodic rest and increasing fluid intake are also generally beneficial in pregnancy, but they are not specifically related to reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Limiting protein intake is not usually recommended, as protein is an essential nutrient for fetal growth and development.