AIIMS CRE 2025
Medical & Surgical Nursing
Easy
What is the CD4 count threshold below which AIDS is diagnosed?
Appeared in: AIIMS CRE 2025
Explanation
- The primary immunological criterion for an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) diagnosis is a CD4 T-lymphocyte count below 200 cells/μL.
- This threshold indicates severe immunodeficiency, as HIV has significantly depleted the cells responsible for coordinating the immune response.
- A CD4 count below 200 cells/μL places the individual at high risk for developing life-threatening opportunistic infections and AIDS-defining illnesses.
- This diagnostic criterion is established by major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: A CD4 count of less than 800 cells/μL is not indicative of AIDS. The normal range for CD4 cells in a healthy adult is typically between 500 and 1,500 cells/μL, so this value can be within the lower end of normal.
- Option B: A CD4 count below 500 cells/μL signifies Stage 2 HIV infection, indicating that the immune system is compromised. However, it is not the threshold for an AIDS diagnosis.
- Option C: A CD4 count below 400 cells/μL is also classified as Stage 2 HIV infection. It shows progressive immune suppression but does not meet the specific laboratory criteria for an AIDS diagnosis.
Related Visual
- Visual 1: Chart: HIV/AIDS Staging by CD4 Count. A bar chart showing the different stages of HIV infection (Stage 1, 2, 3/AIDS) correlated with their respective CD4 count ranges (e.g., >500, 200-499, <200).
- Visual 2: Infographic: Progression of HIV to AIDS. A timeline graphic illustrating the decline of CD4 cells and the rise of viral load over time, from initial infection to the development of AIDS.
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Diagnostic criteria for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) based on CD4 count as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Monitoring CD4 counts is a critical nursing responsibility in managing HIV-positive patients. It guides treatment decisions, including when to start or change antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- A CD4 count below 200 cells/μL is a crucial trigger for initiating prophylaxis against opportunistic infections like Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), a leading cause of death in AIDS patients.
- Patient education is vital. Nurses must explain the significance of the CD4 count and the importance of medication adherence to suppress the virus and preserve immune function.
How to Approach the Question
- This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of a specific diagnostic criterion in infectious disease nursing.
- First, identify the key components of the question: 'CD4 count threshold' and 'AIDS diagnosis'.
- Access your knowledge base regarding the staging of HIV infection. Recall the specific laboratory values that define each stage.
- Compare the given options to the established diagnostic criteria. The CDC defines AIDS as having a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/μL.
- Eliminate the other options by recalling their significance: <500 and <400 are part of Stage 2 HIV, and <800 is within the normal range.
- Select the option that matches the definitive diagnostic threshold for AIDS.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: Diagnostic criteria for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) based on CD4 count.
- Stem keywords: CD4 count, threshold, AIDS, diagnosed
- Lead-in keywords: What is
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
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Practise the full AIIMS CRE 2025
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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