Question

32-year-old female with HIV presents as a new patient to the clinic. The last doctor visit was 14 months ago. She takes no medications. CD4 count is 180, and HIV viral load is 20,000. In addition to starting antiretroviral therapy, what is the next best step in management?

A) Pneumocystis jirovecii prophylaxis
B) Hepatitis B vaccination
C) Tuberculosis screening
D) Influenza vaccination

Answer 1

The next best step in management for a 32-year-old female with HIV who presents as a new patient to the clinic is starting antiretroviral therapy. In addition, it is important to initiate Pneumocystis jirovecii prophylaxis to prevent opportunistic infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next best step in management for a 32-year-old female with HIV, who presents as a new patient to the clinic, is starting antiretroviral therapy. This is the most effective treatment to control the progression of HIV and AIDS. Antiretroviral drugs prevent the virus from replicating and destroying more T cells, thus preventing the patient from developing AIDS.

In addition to starting antiretroviral therapy, it is important to consider other aspects of management for patients with HIV. Based on the given information, the next best step would be to initiate Pneumocystis jirovecii prophylaxis. This is because the patient's CD4 count is 180, which indicates a weakened immune system. Pneumocystis jirovecii is a common opportunistic infection in patients with HIV, and prophylactic treatment can help prevent its occurrence.