Question

The nurse assesses the mouth and oral cavity of a client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because the most common opportunistic infection initially presents as: ________ .

Answer 1

The most common opportunistic infection initially presents as oral thrush in a client with HIV. This infection is characterized by white lesions in the mouth and throat and is linked to the weakened immune system caused by HIV/AIDS.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse assesses the mouth and oral cavity of a client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because the most common opportunistic infection initially presents as oral thrush. Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida yeast. This infection manifests as white lesions in the mouth and throat and is particularly common in individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

People with AIDS often deal with a series of opportunistic infections due to their severely weakened immune systems. Opportunistic diseases that are commonly seen in HIV/AIDS patients include not only oral thrush but also more severe conditions such as pneumocystis pneumonia, esophageal candidiasis, Kaposi's sarcoma, and others. Eventually, without treatment, HIV infection progresses to AIDS, marked by a significant drop in CD4 T-cell count and the onset of opportunistic infections and cancers.