Surgical intervention in children with HIV infection

AIDS is a complex disease with variable manifestations. Effective care can significantly impede the progression of this disease. Understanding the complexities of this illness allows nurses to develop an appropriate plan of care with sensitivity and acknowledgment of infected children's individual needs. Surgical intervention often is required for diagnosis and symptom management of AIDS-related conditions. With good preparation and postoperative care, surgical interventions can be a successful means of enhancing quality of life. In our institution, the pediatric nurse practitioner for infectious diseases and the clinical nurse specialist for pediatric surgery work together to manage the surgical issues of these children.