Does being HIV-positive mean I Have AIDS?
No. Being HIV-positive does not mean you have AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV disease. HIV can lead to AIDS if a person does not get treatment or take care of their health. But if a person with HIV takes their HIV medicine as prescribed, they may stay healthy for many years, and may never be diagnosed with AIDS.
What do the HIV test results mean?
Understanding HIV Test Results. HIV testing shows whether a person is infected with HIV. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Learn about what a positive and negative HIV test result mean.
What does it mean if my follow-up test is positive?
If the follow-up test is also positive, it means you have HIV (or are HIV-positive). It is important that you start medical care and begin HIV treatment as soon as you are diagnosed with HIV.
What is an HIV viral load test?
Viral Load (VL): An HIV viral load test, also called an HIV RNA test, tracks how many HIV particles are in a sample of your blood. This is called your viral load.
Why should a client receive medical treatment for epinephrine?
Finally, the client should receive medical treatment because the effects of the epinephrine are short-lasting and the client may have an anaphylactic reaction. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has just been prescribed an oral iron supplement.
What is a nurse care plan?
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a small bowel obstruction and a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which of the following is appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care? Assess for the passage of flatus. A nurse is caring for a client who has an arterial line.
What is a nurse assessing?
A nurse is assessing heart sounds of a client who reports substernal precordial pain. Identify which of the following sounds the nurse should document in the client's medical record by listening to the audio clip. (Click on the audio file.) A nurse is caring for a client with HIV.
What is a nurse assisting with a cholinesterase inhibitor test?
A nurse is assisting a provider with a cholinesterase inhibitor test for a client who was previously diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. After administration of the cholinesterase inhibitor, the client demonstrates increased muscle weakness and twitching.
How to prevent anaphylaxis in a stinger?
Identify the sequence the client should follow. The first thing the client should do is to inject the epinephrine to prevent anaphylaxis. Next, the client should remove the stinger and clean the area with soap and water to prevent further exposure to the venom. Next, the client should apply ice to decrease swelling.
How does HIV medicine work?
HIV medicine works by lowering the amount of virus in your body to very low levels. HIV medicine can make the viral load so low that a test can’t detect it (called an undetectable viral load ). HIV medicine slows the progression of HIV and helps protect your immune system.
Why is it important to have an undetectable viral load?
Having an undetectable viral load also helps prevent transmitting the virus to others. For example, if you have an undetectable viral load, you have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex. Learn more about being newly diagnosed with HIV and about protecting others.
What does it mean if a lab test is positive?
If the follow-up test is also positive, it means you have HIV (or are HIV-posi tive). It is important that you start medical care and begin HIV treatment ...
What to do if you have a positive antibody test?
If you use any type of antibody test and have a positive result, you will need another (follow-up) test to confirm your results. If you test in a community testing program or take a self-test and it’s positive, you should go to a health care provider to get follow-up testing. If your test is done in a health care setting or a lab and it’s positive, ...
What are the emotions that people feel when they have HIV?
People can feel many emotions—sadness, hopelessness, or anger. Allied health care providers and social service providers, often available at your health care provider’s office, will have the tools to help you work through the early stages of your diagnosis and begin to manage your HIV. Learn more about living with HIV.
Can you get AIDS if you are HIV positive?
No. Being HIV-positive does not mean you have AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV disease. HIV can lead to AIDS if a person does not get treatment or take care of their health.