Question

The nurse assesses a client diagnosed with the acute stage of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Which finding will the nurse expect to observe when providing care to this client?

A) Kaposi sarcoma.
B) Temporary decrease in CD4+ T cells.
C) Persistent fever and night sweats.
D) Burkitt lymphoma.

Answer 1

In the acute stage of HIV infection, the nurse may expect to observe a temporary decrease in CD4+ T cells along with flu-like symptoms, but not advanced conditions like Kaposi sarcoma or Burkitt lymphoma which are common in AIDS.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a client diagnosed with the acute stage of HIV infection, the nurse will expect to observe a temporary decrease in CD4+ T cells. During the acute phase of HIV, there is a period of rapid viral replication which leads to a high viral load and a drop in circulating helper T cells (CD4 T-cells). However, the immune response kicks in with an increase in killer T cells that begin to reduce the viral load, allowing CD4+ T cell levels to recover somewhat. The acute stage is characterized by symptoms such as fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy, and spleen enlargement.

In contrast, conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma and Burkitt lymphoma are more frequently associated with the later stage of the disease, known as AIDS, when the immune system becomes significantly impaired. Persistent fever and night sweats can emerge in the chronic stage of HIV infection or as part of AIDS-related symptoms but are not specific to the acute stage of HIV infection.