Infection control in the patient with AIDS
Ungvarski, P.J.
Journal of Hospital Infection 5 Suppl A: 111-113
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0195-6701 PMID: 6084677 DOI: 10.1016/0195-6701(84)90041-0Document Number: 424969
In this discussion of infection control in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), attention is directed to nursing. Due to the fact that the majority of individuals who suffer with AIDS will be homosexual, intravenous drug users, or both, it is essential that the nurse historian be aware of his/her own feelings about the lifestyles of these patients. History-taking should be done in a nonjudgmental manner. A major pitfall to be avoided when taking a history is making assumptions about an individual's sexual preferences or activities based on the response to a simple question about marital status. It is important to note whether or not the person has a monogamous relationship or leads a polyandrous lifestyle. Another area that should be tactfully but explicitly explored when interviewing an individual who is homosexual or bisexual is the number of different sexual partners that he/she has been involved with on a weekly or monthly basis. Whether the patient has a history of sexually transmitted diseases should be determined. The use of recreational drugs should be explored. When taking the history of a client who uses intravenous drugs, it is important for the nurse to record the agents and sites of injection as well as to note whether the individual uses his/her own equipment. When reviewing the major body systems and the presence or absence of related symptoms, the nurse should note whether the client has experienced skin rashes/lesions, swollen lymph nodes, fever, extreme fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath, changes in bowel habits, cuts or bruises that do not heal, and headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or stiff neck. The physical examination of the individual with AIDS and an opportunistic infection usually will reveal positive findings in the central nervous system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and/or the integumentary system, as well as the lymphatic system. As the leading cause of morbidity in the compromised host is infection, infection prevention should be regarded as a pragmatic necessity. 2 major things that nurses can do in the acute care setting to control infection are to limit the frequency of invasive or traumatic procedures and to reduce the acquisition of new potential pathogens.