HIV/AIDS Management Practice Questions
18 free HIV/AIDS Management practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which laboratory value is most important in monitoring the progression of HIV infection?
- A Hemoglobin level
- B CD4+ T-cell count
- C Total platelet count
- D Sodium level
Correct answer: CD4+ T-cell count
The CD4+ T-cell count reflects immune system function in HIV patients. A declining count indicates disease progression and increased risk of opportunistic infections.
Which precaution is standard when caring for patients with HIV/AIDS?
- A Airborne precautions
- B Contact precautions only
- C Standard precautions
- D Droplet precautions
Correct answer: Standard precautions
HIV is transmitted through blood and body fluids, not through air or casual contact. Standard precautions are sufficient for routine care.
Which medication class is commonly used as part of first-line HIV treatment?
- A Beta blocker medications
- B Antifungals
- C Antihistamines
- D Antiretrovirals
Correct answer: Antiretrovirals
Antiretroviral drugs are used to treat HIV by inhibiting viral replication. Combination therapy is used to improve effectiveness and prevent resistance.
Which condition is considered an AIDS-defining illness?
- A Chronic hypertension
- B Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- C Asthma
- D Pneumocystis pneumonia
Correct answer: Pneumocystis pneumonia
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a common opportunistic infection in advanced HIV and defines progression to AIDS. It occurs when immune function is severely compromised.
What is the recommended CD4 count threshold for diagnosing AIDS?
- A Above 1000 cells/mm³
- B Below 500 cells/mm³
- C Below 200 cells/mm³
- D Above 2000 cells/mm³
Correct answer: Below 200 cells/mm³
A CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ indicates severe immunosuppression. This threshold is used to define AIDS.
Which intervention helps prevent opportunistic infections in HIV patients?
- A Avoid all necessary medications
- B Restrict fluid intake
- C Bed rest only
- D Prophylactic antibiotics
Correct answer: Prophylactic antibiotics
Prophylactic antibiotics are used to prevent infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia. This is important when CD4 counts are low.
What is the purpose of viral load testing in HIV management?
- A Measure immune response
- B Determine overall kidney function
- C Assess amount of HIV in blood
- D Evaluate liver enzymes
Correct answer: Assess amount of HIV in blood
Viral load testing measures the amount of HIV RNA in the blood. It helps assess treatment effectiveness and disease progression.
Which route is a common mode of HIV transmission?
- A Airborne respiratory droplets
- B Casual contact
- C Unprotected sexual contact
- D Sharing food
Correct answer: Unprotected sexual contact
HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Unprotected sexual contact is a common mode of transmission.
Which teaching is most important for a patient starting ART?
- A Take medications only when symptomatic
- B Stop drugs if side effects occur
- C Take double doses if missed
- D Adhere strictly to medication schedule
Correct answer: Adhere strictly to medication schedule
Strict adherence to ART is essential to maintain viral suppression and prevent resistance. Skipping doses can lead to treatment failure.
Which symptom is commonly associated with early HIV infection?
- A Severe chest pain
- B Vision loss
- C Joint deformity
- D Flu-like symptoms
Correct answer: Flu-like symptoms
Early HIV infection often presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue. This stage is known as acute HIV infection.
Which nutritional advice is appropriate for a patient with HIV/AIDS?
- A Avoid protein intake
- B Restrict fluids
- C Skip meals frequently throughout the day
- D Maintain a balanced, high-calorie diet
Correct answer: Maintain a balanced, high-calorie diet
Patients with HIV often require increased calories and nutrients. A balanced diet helps maintain weight and immune function.
What is the purpose of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
- A Treat active HIV infection
- B Cure HIV
- C Prevent infection after exposure
- D Enhance immunity permanently over time
Correct answer: Prevent infection after exposure
PEP is given after potential HIV exposure to reduce the risk of infection. It must be started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours.
Which population is at increased risk for HIV infection?
- A Individuals with multiple sexual partners
- B People who report no sexual activity at all
- C People who exercise regularly
- D Individuals with balanced diets
Correct answer: Individuals with multiple sexual partners
Having multiple sexual partners increases exposure risk. Safe practices are essential to reduce transmission.
Which medication is used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV?
- A Antiretroviral drugs
- B Antibiotics
- C Antifungal medications
- D Steroids
Correct answer: Antiretroviral drugs
Antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy reduces viral load and significantly lowers the risk of transmission to the baby.
Which complication is common in advanced HIV infection?
- A Opportunistic infections
- B Hypertension
- C Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
- D Kidney stones
Correct answer: Opportunistic infections
Advanced HIV weakens the immune system, making patients susceptible to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and fungal infections.
What is the best indicator of ART effectiveness?
- A Reduced viral load
- B Weight gain
- C Improved appetite
- D Increased blood pressure
Correct answer: Reduced viral load
A decreasing or undetectable viral load indicates effective ART. It shows that viral replication is suppressed.
Which statement about HIV is correct?
- A It is transmitted through blood and body fluids
- B It can be spread easily through any casual contact
- C It is airborne
- D It spreads through water
Correct answer: It is transmitted through blood and body fluids
HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids such as blood, semen, and breast milk. It is not spread through casual contact or air.
Which nursing action is priority when caring for a patient with AIDS and low CD4 count?
- A Prevent infection exposure
- B Encourage visitors without restriction
- C Limit medication use
- D Promote isolation from staff
Correct answer: Prevent infection exposure
Patients with low CD4 counts are highly susceptible to infections. Preventing exposure is a priority to protect their health.