Role of Nurses in the Treatment of HIV Patients
The introduction of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)dates back to the early 1980’s. For years, it created shock waves around the world. Physicians and scientists had a tough time finding the cause of this new found deadly virus. Though many treatments have been developed 40 years later, no definitive cure for this virus has yet been found.
While a permanent cure for HIV is still elusive, a lot of progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of this disease.So much progress has been made that patients can now live normal and active lives.However, they need to make sure they are taking their medication to keep their HIV conditions under control, and to prevent it from turning into full-blown AIDS -- the poisonous progression of the disease.
Role of Nurses When Caring for HIV Patients
Nurses taking care of HIV patients are responsible in educating patients about the importance of taking medication and making them aware of the consequences of missing a dose. To highlight the importance of continuous medication for HIV patients, nurses inform patients about the consequences that can occur when they suddenly stop taking their medication.
Consequences When HIV Patients Stop Taking Medication
For effective HIV treatment, the patient needs to ensure continual medication, it must be a commitment. The medication given to an HIV patient helps the body produce white blood cells that help in fighting the infection. Missing even one dose can lead to drug resistance,making the treatment difficult.
Nurses play an important role in counseling the patient and educating them about the risks of stopping the medication or missing a medication dose. Nurses can give advice such as:
Setting alarms to ensure the dosage is taken at the right time
Keeping all medicines handy and telling family members where medicines are kept to ensure easy access in case of emergency.
Refilling prescriptions in advance
Writing notes as reminders
As a nurse,it is your duty to counsel an HIV patient on your level first, and then refer him/her to a physician if they express the desire to discontinue therapy.
Symptoms of a HIV Patient
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a condition that develops at a later stage of HIV when a proper medication schedule isn’t followed. Due to the fragile immune system, a patient can develop a range of opportunistic diseases and infections. If the patient is suffering from AIDS,the most common symptoms are:
Dry Cough
Fever accompanied with fatigue
Neurological disorders & memory loss
Depression, Night sweats
Diarrhea
Pneumonia
Red, Pink, Purple blotches on skin
As a nurse caring for HIV patients, if you see any of the above symptoms, it is clear indication that there has been a lapse in taking medications. In your career as a nurse treating HIV patients,it is your first responsibility to ensure that patients are educated in the importance of continual medication.
If you want to pursue a nursing career abroad, you can join the specialized nursing program for international nurses at INSCOL.