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Key Considerations in HIV/AIDS Management CBC Monitoring: Check for anemia as an indicator of bone marrow suppression. Lipid and Liver Function: Essential to monitor LFTs for hepatotoxicity and cardiovascular risks due to high serum lipid levels. ART Therapy Compliance:...

Key Considerations in HIV/AIDS Management CBC Monitoring: Check for anemia as an indicator of bone marrow suppression. Lipid and Liver Function: Essential to monitor LFTs for hepatotoxicity and cardiovascular risks due to high serum lipid levels. ART Therapy Compliance: Important to prevent mutation of HIV; focus on regular medication intake. AIDS Defining Illnesses Definition: AIDS is defined by CD4 count < 200 or presence of an AIDS defining illness. Pulmonary System Opportunistic Infections: Most common is Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). o Symptoms: Fever, shortness of breath, cough, chest discomfort. o Untreated PCP can lead to respiratory failure. Tuberculosis (TB): Increased prevalence due to communal living settings. o Symptoms: Coughing, night sweats, bloody sputum. Gastrointestinal System Candidiasis: Common in oral, esophageal, and stomach areas. o Causes complications with eating and swallowing. o Treatment includes antifungal medications like "swish and swallow." Cryptosporidium: Can be severe in HIV/AIDS patients. Wasting Syndrome: Involuntary weight loss, diarrhea or weakness for 30+ days. o Manage with hydration, diet adjustments (increase fiber, solid foods), and careful monitoring. Oncological Concerns Kaposi’s Sarcoma: Causes lesions leading to infection risk. o Important to protect skin. Lymphomas: Treated with chemotherapy but complicates due to immunocompromised status. Neurological Concerns Depression: Common, requires psychosocial support.  HIV Encephalopathy: Destruction of neurons, cognitive decline. Cryptococcus: Fungal infection similar to meningitis; difficult to treat. o Requires weeks of IV medications. Nursing Care Plan for HIV/AIDS Daily Monitoring: Weight, intake/output, vital signs. Physical Assessment: Monitor for opportunistic infections and other symptoms. Education: Focus on safety and infection prevention. Transmission Prevention: Educate on avoiding infection spread. Infectious Disease Process Common Resistant Infections MRSA: Resistant to methicillin; requires specific isolation and treatment. VRE: Common in GI tract; requires contact isolation. CLABSI: Central line infections; need sterile procedure for dressing changes. CAUTI: Urinary tract infections; reduce catheter use and ensure cleanliness. VAP: Ventilator-associated pneumonia; oral care and specific precautions. Allergic and Inflammatory Disorders Allergic Reactions Types: Bee stings, latex, medications (Type 1); blood transfusion reactions (Type 2); autoimmune disorders (Type 3); delayed reactions (Type 4). Anaphylaxis: Life-threatening, treat with epinephrine. Rheumatic Disorders Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune disease causing joint destruction. o Treatment: NSAIDs, DMARDs, corticosteroids. o Nursing Management: Encourage physical activity and use of assistive devices. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Symptoms: Fatigue, joint swelling, butterfly rash. Treatment: Focus on symptom control, use of DMARDs and corticosteroids.  Gout Cause: Hyperuricemia from purine breakdown. Treatment: Allopurinol for prevention, NSAIDs for acute attacks. Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Body-wide pain, fatigue. Management: Encourage rest, low-impact exercise, and sleep hygiene.