Which of the following is an indicator of AIDS?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2016

Explanation

A CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ is a primary laboratory criterion for the diagnosis of AIDS (Stage 3 HIV infection).
This threshold signifies that the immune system is severely compromised, leaving the body vulnerable.
Individuals with a CD4 count below 200 are at a high risk of developing serious opportunistic infections (OIs) and other AIDS-defining illnesses.

Option B: A CD4 count greater than 400 cells/mm³ is considered within the normal to mildly suppressed range. It is not an indicator of AIDS.
Option C: While a CD4 count below 600 cells/mm³ indicates immune suppression, it does not meet the specific diagnostic threshold for AIDS.
Option D: A normal CD4 count can range from 500 to 1,500 cells/mm³. A count below 1000 can still be within the normal range for many individuals and is not an indicator 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 lymphocyte count as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Monitoring a patient's CD4 count is a fundamental nursing role in managing HIV, as it guides treatment decisions and the need for prophylaxis against opportunistic infections.
A critical nursing intervention is to initiate patient education and prepare for prophylactic treatment (e.g., with Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for Pneumocystis pneumonia) once the CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm³.
Nurses must emphasize the importance of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to maintain a higher CD4 count and prevent progression to AIDS.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of a specific diagnostic criterion.
Identify the key terms in the question: 'indicator' and 'AIDS'.
Recall that AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection and is defined by specific clinical or laboratory criteria.
Focus on the options, which all relate to the CD4 lymphocyte count, a key laboratory marker.
Remember the critical threshold value for CD4 count that defines AIDS. The number '200' is the internationally recognized cutoff.
Select the option that correctly states this criterion: a count 'lower than 200 cells/mm³'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Diagnostic criteria for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) based on CD4 lymphocyte count.
Stem keywords: indicator, AIDS, CD4 count
Lead-in keywords: Which

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 15-17

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 331-333

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.