HIV Pathophysiology and Diagnosis

HIV Pathophysiology and Diagnosis

My topic is HIV

This discussion represents the second step in a three-step discussion series where you will choose your pathophysiology adventure to analyze and present to the class. Students will continue to explore the disease process that was chosen in Week 2. In this step of the discussion series, you will describe the pathophysiology of your chosen condition from Week 2 and its manifestations, diagnosis, and lifespan considerations. You will also create your case study.

Include the following sections:

1. Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.

1. Describe the pathophysiology of the chosen condition. What is the condition’s etiology, signs and symptoms, complications, and risk factors?
2. Discuss how the condition is diagnosed. What are relevant assessment findings, labs, and imaging studies?
3. Explain how the pathophysiology of the condition might differ across the lifespan. Does the condition manifest in pediatric, pregnant, breastfeeding, and older adult populations? How might the condition look different across the lifespan?
4. Create your case study based on the chosen condition (~ 1,000 words or less using bullet points and full sentences). Start with the diagnosis and work backward to develop a clinical scenario that leads to this diagnosis. Include the client’s name, social background, symptoms, lab results, medical or surgical history, and other relevant details.

Check our essay writing services here

APA

HIV Pathophysiology and Diagnosis

Pathophysiology of HIV:

• Etiology: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is caused by a retrovirus that attacks and weakens the immune system by targeting CD4+ T-cells (helper T-cells). If left untreated, HIV leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), where the immune system is severely compromised.
• Signs and Symptoms: Early symptoms include fever, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. As the virus progresses, individuals may experience weight loss, chronic diarrhea, night sweats, frequent infections, and opportunistic diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and certain cancers.
• Complications: Chronic HIV infection can lead to a range of complications, including neurological issues, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and various cancers (such as Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma).
• Risk Factors: Unprotected sex, sharing needles, blood transfusions, and being born to an HIV-positive mother are key risk factors. Individuals who have multiple sexual partners or engage in risky sexual behaviors are at higher risk.

Diagnosis of HIV:

• Assessment Findings: The initial assessment involves taking a detailed sexual and medical history, along with a