HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

What important principle regarding HIV should the nurse remember for planning care for a newborn infected in utero?

1. The disease will incubate longer and progress more slowly in this infant

2. The infant is very susceptible to infections

3. Growth and development patterns will proceed at a normal rate

4. Careful monitoring of renal function is indicated

The correct answer is: The infant is very susceptible to infections

In planning care for a newborn infected with HIV in utero, recognizing that the infant is very susceptible to infections is crucial. This susceptibility stems from the fact that infants with HIV may have an immature immune system severely compromised by the virus. Unlike adults who might manage the disease better due to a more developed and resilient immune response, a newborn's immune system is not fully matured, leaving them vulnerable to opportunistic infections. As such, the nursing care plan needs to prioritize infection prevention, including implementing strict hygiene practices, limiting exposure to pathogens, ensuring appropriate immunizations, and considering prophylactic medications when indicated. Each of these strategies is essential to protecting the infant's health and improving their overall outcome. The emphasis on infection susceptibility informs the necessary precautions and care strategies that healthcare teams must adopt for newborns with HIV.