AIDS disease attacks and breakdown which body system?

MNS 2015

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The hallmark of AIDS is profound immunosuppression, which results from the destruction of the body's immune cells.
HIV has a specific affinity (tropism) for cells expressing the CD4 molecule, most notably the CD4+ T-helper lymphocytes.
The virus infects and kills these T-cells, leading to a progressive decline in immune function and leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

Option B: The respiratory system is not the primary target of HIV. Respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, are common in AIDS patients, but they are opportunistic infections that occur because the immune system is too weak to fight them off.
Option C: The digestive system is not the primary system broken down by HIV. Symptoms like chronic diarrhea, oral candidiasis, and esophagitis are secondary complications caused by opportunistic pathogens that take advantage of the compromised immune system.
Option D: The circulatory system is not the primary target of HIV. While chronic inflammation from HIV can contribute to cardiovascular problems, the virus's main and defining action is the destruction of the immune system.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pathophysiology of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding that HIV targets the immune system is fundamental for nurses to grasp the rationale behind monitoring CD4 counts and viral loads, which are key indicators of disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
This knowledge underscores the importance of infection control (Standard Precautions) and patient education on preventing opportunistic infections.
Nurses play a vital role in administering antiretroviral therapy (ART), which works by interrupting the HIV life cycle to preserve immune function.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'AIDS' (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Break down the acronym: The 'I' and 'D' stand for 'Immuno-Deficiency'. This directly points to the body system that is made deficient or weakened.
Recall the causative agent, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The name itself highlights that it's a virus affecting the immune system.
Evaluate the options based on this understanding. The virus's primary action is to attack the immune system.
Consider the other options (Respiratory, Digestive, Circulatory) as systems that are affected secondarily due to the failure of the immune system, not as the primary target of the virus.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 255-257

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 87-89

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 155-157