Which cells decrease drastically in a patient who is affected by AIDS?

IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU Post B. SC. Nursing entrance-2019

Explanation

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) primarily targets and infects T-helper cells, which are phenotypically identified by the CD4 molecule on their surface.
These cells are also known as T4 cells or CD4+ T lymphocytes.
The progressive destruction and depletion of CD4+ T cells is the central feature of HIV infection, leading to the severe immunodeficiency characteristic of AIDS.
A diagnosis of AIDS is established when the CD4+ T cell count falls below a critical threshold of 200 cells/mm³.

Option A: Beta cells are located in the pancreas and produce insulin. They are not a target of HIV and their depletion is associated with diabetes mellitus.
Option B: T8 cells (CD8+ cytotoxic T cells) are responsible for killing infected cells. While their function can be affected in late-stage AIDS, their numbers do not drastically decrease; instead, the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells is inverted due to the loss of CD4 cells.
Option D: Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport. While anemia (low red cell count) is a common complication in chronic diseases like AIDS, it is not the defining and primary cellular depletion caused by the virus.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Pathophysiology of HIV/AIDS and its effect on immune cells to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Monitoring the CD4 count is essential in managing patients with HIV. It helps determine the stage of the disease, predict the risk of opportunistic infections, and decide when to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) and prophylactic medications.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of adherence to ART, which can suppress viral replication, allow the CD4 count to recover, and prevent disease progression.
Understanding the relationship between CD4 count and specific opportunistic infections allows the nurse to anticipate patient needs, monitor for specific signs and symptoms, and implement appropriate preventive care.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'AIDS' and 'cells decrease drastically'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the pathophysiology of AIDS.
Recall that AIDS is a syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Remember the primary target of HIV. The virus specifically attacks a type of white blood cell that is critical to the immune system.
Evaluate the options: Beta cells (insulin), T8 cells (cytotoxic), T4 cells (helper), and Red cells (oxygen).
Select the option that represents the T-helper cell, which is the main cell type destroyed by HIV, leading to immunodeficiency.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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