Nursing Care Plan for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Tissue inflammation and autonomic responses may cause significant pain. Manage with analgesics, positioning and non-pharmacological interventions such as guided imagery, deep-breathing and meditation.

Anemia and hypoxemia are common side effects of anorexia and can lead to decreased amount of oxygen available for cellular uptake. These factors contribute to fatigue.

Severe vomiting, diarrhea, fever and sweating contribute to fluid loss. Monitor for signs and symptoms of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Fatigue is a common problem for patients with AIDS. Encourage patients to provide as much self-care as possible to promote independence. Allow for rest periods to conserve energy for important functions such as eating.

Simple infections can be detrimental for the patient. Encourage good hand hygiene and clean nails. Healthcare staff must remember to use appropriate PPE when caring for patients (gown and gloves, mask as needed)

Painful oral lesions make eating difficult and patients often have poor nutrition for this reason. Encourage and provide regular oral care to increase appetite and reduce oral discomfort.

Most medications are given to treat the symptoms. Anti-HIV drugs are available and help to prevent the replication of the virus in the body.

Encourage patients to correct lifestyle habits that lead to worsening of symptoms or spread of disease.  Some foods, if undercooked, can lead to foodborne illnesses which may be severe.

Correct any myths and misconceptions, impress importance of infection prevention. Help reduce risk of transmission.

Cornell Note-Taking System Instructions:

1. Record: During the lecture, use the note-taking column to record the lecture using telegraphic sentences.
2. Questions: As soon after class as possible, formulate questions based onthe notes in the right-hand column. Writing questions helps to clarifymeanings, reveal relationships, establish continuity, and strengthenmemory. Also, the writing of questions sets up a perfect stage for exam-studying later.
3. Recite: Cover the note-taking column with a sheet of paper. Then, looking at the questions or cue-words in the question and cue column only, say aloud, in your own words, the answers to the questions, facts, or ideas indicated by the cue-words.
4. Reflect: Reflect on the material by asking yourself questions, for example: “What’s the significance of these facts? What principle are they based on? How can I apply them? How do they fit in with what I already know? What’s beyond them?
5. Review: Spend at least ten minutes every week reviewing all your previous notes. If you do, you’ll retain a great deal for current use, as well as, for the exam.

For more information, visit www.nursing.com/cornell