In a client with AIDS and a CD4+ T cell count of 150 cells/µL, which nursing intervention should be prioritized?

• A. Monitor for opportunistic infections
• B. Administer analgesics for pain
• C. Administer the client's prescribed HIV medications
• D. Provide nutrition counseling

Answer: (C)

The most important nursing action is to ensure the patient receives antiretroviral therapy as prescribed. Suppressing HIV replication and helping the immune system recover are the best ways to reduce the risk of opportunistic infections and slow disease progression, which is crucial when the CD4 count is 150 cells/µL. Administering HIV medications consistently addresses the underlying problem—viral load—more directly than symptom-focused care. Supportive tasks like monitoring for opportunistic infections, providing analgesics, or offering nutrition counseling remain essential, but they do not alter the disease trajectory as effectively as maintaining ART. The nurse should also support adherence, monitor for adverse effects, and check for drug interactions to keep the regimen effective and safe.