An HIV client has been on an antiviral protease inhibitor for 2 months and recently complains of being hungry and thirsty and urinating more frequently. Knowing the adverse effects of protease inhibitors, the nurse should assess for:

Question

1. pancreatitis.
2. kidney failure.
3. hepatomegaly.
4. hyperglycemia.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Increased hunger and thirst along with more frequent urination are not indicative of pancreatitis.
Rationale 2: PIs are not associated with kidney failure.
Rationale 3: Increased hunger and thirst along with more frequent urination are not indicative of hepatomegaly.
Rationale 4: Some of the protease inhibitors are associated with hyperglycemia, and can cause diabetes or worsen existing diabetes. Worsening diabetes can be indicated by increased hunger and thirst along with more frequent urination.
Global Rationale: Some of the protease inhibitors are associated with hyperglycemia, and can cause diabetes or worsen existing diabetes. Worsening diabetes can be indicated by increased hunger and thirst along with more frequent urination. These findings are not associated with pancreatitis, kidney failure, or hepatomegaly.