Final answer:
A positive response to HIV treatment is best indicated by the absence of opportunistic infections. This shows that the patient's immune system is robust enough to fend off infections that are common when the immune system is compromised by HIV.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is which of the following findings indicates a positive response to the prescribed HIV treatment:
- a. Decreased CD4 T-cell count.
- b. Elevated viral load.
- c. Absence of opportunistic infections.
- d. Increased weight loss.
The correct answer is c. Absence of opportunistic infections. This indicates a positive response to treatment, as the immune system is sufficiently strong to prevent opportunistic infections that typically occur when the immune system is weakened. Effective HIV treatment aims to maintain or increase the CD4 T-cell count and reduce the viral load, which in turn reduces the risk of opportunistic infections and other complications.
Treatment for HIV involves taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps lower the viral load and maintain a higher CD4 T-cell count. Successful treatment typically results in the absence of opportunistic infections, stabilization or increase of CD4 T-cell count, and a decrease in viral load. These outcomes are positive indicators that the treatment is working as intended.