When planning care for a client with a new HIV diagnosis, which client statement should the nurse note?

When planning care for a client with a new HIV diagnosis, which client statement should the nurse note?

• A. “I feel healthy and strong.”
• B. “I can no longer run like I used to.”
• C. “I can't seem to gain any weight.”
• D. “I have no symptoms.”

Answer: (C)

The statement “I can't seem to gain any weight” is particularly significant in the context of a new HIV diagnosis. Weight loss or an inability to gain weight can be a symptom of the disease and may indicate the progression to more advanced stages of HIV or the onset of related complications. This statement reflects a potential issue with the client's nutritional status, which is crucial to address in planning care. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for individuals living with HIV, as it can affect the immune system and overall health. It also suggests that the nurse may need to assess the client for possible opportunistic infections, metabolic changes, or other issues related to HIV that could be impacting their ability to gain or maintain weight. Addressing these concerns with a comprehensive nutritional assessment and appropriate interventions can help manage the health of the client more effectively, making this statement a key point of focus for the nurse.

The statement “I can't seem to gain any weight” is particularly significant in the context of a new HIV diagnosis. Weight loss or an inability to gain weight can be a symptom of the disease and may indicate the progression to more advanced stages of HIV or the onset of related complications. This statement reflects a potential issue with the client's nutritional status, which is crucial to address in planning care.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for individuals living with HIV, as it can affect the immune system and overall health. It also suggests that the nurse may need to assess the client for possible opportunistic infections, metabolic changes, or other issues related to HIV that could be impacting their ability to gain or maintain weight. Addressing these concerns with a comprehensive nutritional assessment and appropriate interventions can help manage the health of the client more effectively, making this statement a key point of focus for the nurse.