A client is in her third month of her first pregnancy. During the interview, she tells the nurse that she has several sex partners and is unsure of the identity of the baby’s father. Which of the following nursing interventions is a priority?A. Counsel the woman to consent to HIV screening.
A. Counsel the woman to consent to HIV screening.
B. Perform tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
C. Discuss her high risk for cervical cancer.
D. Refer the client to a family planning clinic.
Correct Answer: A. Counsel the woman to consent to HIV screening
The client”s behavior places her at high risk for HIV. Testing is the first step. If the woman is HIV positive, the earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.
Option B: Before performing the tests, the client should be informed first and she must give her consent. Separate written consent for HIV testing is not recommended. General informed consent for medical care that notifies the patient that an HIV test will be performed unless the patient declines (opt-out screening) should be considered sufficient to encompass informed consent for HIV testing.
Option C: Discussion about the risks can come after determining if the client is HIV positive or not. Increased HIV vulnerability is often associated with legal and social factors, which increases exposure to risk situations and creates barriers to accessing effective, quality and affordable HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.
Option D: Family planning could come after the HIV screening has results. For women with HIV who want to become pregnant, use of antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy can reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Afterwards, family planning services that promote healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies are important to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality.