Final answer:
The priority nursing diagnosis for an HIV positive hospitalized infant would be the prevention and management of opportunistic infections. A focus on maintaining immune system function and adherence to treatment regimens such as ART is essential to their overall care and well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
The priority nursing diagnosis for a hospitalized infant who is HIV positive would likely center around the risk for opportunistic infections due to immune system compromise. HIV targets CD4 helper T cells, which are crucial for orchestrating the body's immune response. An infant's already delicate immune system is further compromised by an HIV infection, making them susceptible to infections that their body would normally fend off.
Treatment options, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), can significantly reduce the viral load, help restore and maintain immune function, and prevent the progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The treatment also lowers the risk of transmission. In the case of infants, reducing mother-to-child transmission rates is particularly crucial and can be achieved with appropriate interventions during pregnancy and post-birth.
Therefore, the priority nursing diagnosis would likely focus on preventing, monitoring, and managing potential opportunistic infections and prioritizing interventions to maintain immune system function as much as possible. Also, adherence to medication regimens and preventing vertical transmission are key components of ongoing care.