A patient states that he feels terrific, but a blood test shows that he is HIV-positive. It is important for the nurse to discuss with him that HIV may remain dormant for several years. What is true of the patient during this time?
a. He is not dangerous to anyone.
b. He experiences minor symptoms only.
c. He experiences decreased immunity.
d. He is contagious.
ANS: D
A prolonged period in which HIV is not readily detectable in the blood follows within a few weeks or months of the initial infection. This titer, or viral load, falls dramatically as the immune system responds and controls the HIV infection, and it may last 10 to 12 years. During this period, there are few clinical symptoms of HIV infection, although an individual is still capable of transmitting HIV to others.
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