What the licensed practical/vocational nurse should know about pharmacological therapy for AIDS sufferers

Illnesses can rob persons of their dignity and pride. Nowhere has this been more apparent than with people who suffer from Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Because AIDS is a progressive and debilitating disease whose fatal outcome seems hopeless, it is often hard for the sufferer to maintain a sense of human worth. Add to that a prevailing public prejudice that keeps the individual at an arm's length from the support of the community, and a grim picture is given. However, unknown to lay persons and professionals alike, this bleak picture is no longer so grim. With the advent of drug combination therapy treatments (taking several commonly prescribed anti-HIV drugs at the same time), new hope has been given. The purpose of this paper is to describe for the licensed practical/vocational nurse the different and various drugs used for therapy and their effects on the AIDS population. Particular emphasis is placed on the modern combination therapy programs that are being utilized. Current knowledge of AIDS treatment can enable the licensed practical/vocational nurse to increase a client's feelings of hope, self worth, and dignity.