Question

A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who has HIV. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication to increase the client's nutritional intake?

- T helper cells 700/mm3
- Presence of herpes simplex virus infection
- HIV viral load below detectable levels
- Increased body mass

Answer 1

The presence of a herpes simplex virus infection in an HIV patient is an indication to increase nutritional intake to support the immune system, despite their CD4 T-cell count being at a safe level.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with HIV should identify the presence of a herpes simplex virus infection as an indication to increase the client's nutritional intake. This is because opportunistic infections like herpes simplex can occur when the immune system is compromised, requiring an increased nutritional intake to support the immune system and overall health. Although a CD4 T-cell count of 700/mm3 suggests the patient's infection is likely in the first stage and their disease is relatively well-managed, the presence of an opportunistic infection indicates a stressed immune system. An undiagnosable HIV viral load and increased body mass do not necessarily imply a need for increased nutrition.