During the latent phase of HIV infection, why are antiviral medications prescribed?

1. To prevent the spread of HIV
2. To cure HIV
3. To relieve symptoms that occur during the latent phase
4. To delay onset of acute symptoms and the development of AIDS


Correct Answer: 4

Rationale 1: To prevent the spread of HIV is incorrect because this does not prevent the spread of HIV.
Rationale 2: To cure HIV is incorrect because there is no cure for HIV.
Rationale 3: To relieve symptoms that occur during the latent phase is incorrect because the virus is dormant during this phase.
Rationale 4: After initial exposure, HIV can remain dormant for many years. During this latent phase, patients are asymptomatic, and might not even realize they are infected. Once diagnosis is established, however, a decision must be made as to when to begin pharmacotherapy. The advantage of beginning during the latent stage is that early treatment might delay the onset of acute symptoms and the development of AIDS.

Global Rationale: After initial exposure, HIV can remain dormant for many years. During this latent phase, patients are asymptomatic, and might not even realize they are infected. Once diagnosis is established, however, a decision must be made as to when to begin pharmacotherapy. The advantage of beginning during the latent stage is that early treatment might delay the onset of acute symptoms and the development of AIDS. To prevent the spread of HIV is incorrect because this does not prevent the spread of HIV. To cure HIV is incorrect because there is no cure for HIV. To relieve symptoms that occur during the latent phase is incorrect because the virus is dormant during this phase.

Nursing

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