A patient diagnosed with HIV has an HIV viral load test of 9,000 copies/mL. What should this test result suggest to the nurse?
1. The current prescribed medication therapy is not effective.
2. The current prescribed medication therapy is effective.
3. The dose of prescribed medication can be reduced.
4. A less toxic medication needs to be prescribed.
Correct Answer: 1
HIV viral load tests measure the amount of actively replicating HIV. Levels correlate with disease progression and response to antiretroviral medications. Levels greater than 5,000 to 10,000 copies/mL indicate the need for treatment. The patient's current prescribed medication is not effective. This laboratory value does not indicate that the dose can be reduced or that the medication is toxic.
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