Nursing Considerations for Patients With HIV in Critical Care Settings

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a chronic condition managed with daily antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• Effective ART allows individuals with HIV to achieve near-normal life expectancy.
• However, people with HIV have an increased risk of comorbidities and poorer outcomes in critical care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical care considerations for patients with HIV.
• To emphasize the importance of continuing antiretroviral therapy during intensive care unit (ICU) stays.
• To inform critical care nurses about potential challenges and best practices.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on HIV management in critical care.
• Analysis of challenges associated with antiretroviral therapy in the ICU.
• Discussion of nursing roles in providing care to patients with HIV.

Main Results:

• Antiretroviral therapy is crucial for managing HIV and should be continued in critical care when feasible.
• Many ART regimens pose risks, including drug-drug interactions, adverse events, and complications like insulin resistance and QT prolongation.
• Critical care nurses play a vital role in ensuring safe and effective care for this population.

Conclusions:

• Continued ART is essential for people with HIV in critical care, despite potential complications.
• Awareness of drug interactions and adverse events is crucial for safe medication management.
• Critical care nurses are pivotal in providing compassionate, unbiased care and promoting health for stigmatized populations.