The client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) asks the nurse why he must take so many medications. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "To decrease the possibility of the virus developing resistance to the medications."
2. "Research has shown single medications to be ineffective."
3. "Because the earlier we start multiple medications, the better for you."
4. "To provide you with the most effective treatment for your illness."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Decreasing the possibility of resistance is the key; single drugs can be effective, but viral resistance is a problem.
Rationale 2: Multiple medications will provide the best treatment, but this is not as good an answer as avoiding drug resistance.
Rationale 3: It is debatable if multiple drugs should be used early in the course of the disease.
Rationale 4: Single medications can be effective, but drug resistance is more likely the reason.
Global Rationale: Decreasing the possibility of resistance is the key; single drugs can be effective, but viral resistance is a problem. Multiple medications will provide the best treatment, but this is not as good an answer as avoiding drug resistance. It is debatable if multiple drugs should be used early in the course of the disease. Single medications can be effective, but drug resistance is more likely the reason.