A patient is attending an HIV/AIDS clinic following an HIV test performed last month by the HCP

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A patient is attending an HIV/AIDS clinic following an HIV test performed last month by the HCP. The patient initially presented to the HCP with oral thrush which was treated with oral nystatin. Since this infection is uncommon in adulthood, the HCP arranged for an HIV ELISA screening test followed by a western blot test to confirm the diagnosis. The patient has multiple risk factors for acquiring this viral infection including IV drug use, multiple sexual partners and not using condoms. The client recalls having a “bad cold and sore throat” around 3 years ago, but it resolved spontaneously without any treatment. Which CD4 count would be associated with a diagnosis of AIDS? Following a potential exposure to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis should be started within… Following a potential exposure to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis should be started within… 28 days 72 hours 6 months 7 days In which of the following patients would lopinavir/ritonavir be contraindicated? In which of the following patients would lopinavir/ritonavir be contraindicated? A patient with hypothyroidism. A patient with Crohn’s disease A patient with kidney disease A patient with severe heart failure

Question Guide

1. Which CD4 count would be associated with a diagnosis of AIDS?

A diagnosis of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is typically made when a person’s CD4 T-cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or when they develop certain AIDS-defining illnesses, regardless of their CD4 count. So, the CD4 count associated with a diagnosis of AIDS is less than 200 cells/mm³.

2. Following a potential exposure to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis should be started within…

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV should ideally be started within 72 hours (3 days) of a potential exposure. It is most effective when initiated as soon as possible after exposure. Starting PEP later than 72 hours reduces its effectiveness.

3. In which of the following patients would lopinavir/ritonavir be contraindicated?

Lopinavir/ritonavir is a combination medication used for the treatment of HIV infection. Contraindications may vary based on individual patient characteristics and potential drug interactions. However, it’s important to note that lopinavir/ritonavir can interact with other medications and medical conditions. The contraindication mentioned in the options is as follows:

A patient with severe heart failure: Lopinavir/ritonavir may be contraindicated in patients with severe heart disease, especially if they are taking medications that can interact with lopinavir/ritonavir or exacerbate heart conditions. This is because lopinavir/ritonavir can have cardiovascular side effects.

The other medical conditions mentioned (hypothyroidism, Crohn’s disease, and kidney disease) do not typically constitute contraindications for lopinavir/ritonavir use, but individual patient factors and medication interactions should always be considered, and a healthcare provider should make the final determination.

Please note that medication choices and contraindications should always be discussed with a healthcare provider who has access to the patient’s complete medical history and can provide personalized recommendations.

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