ACRN ACRN Psychosocial Support & Mental Health 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: PTSD in PLWH is associated with which treatment outcome?
- Lower rates of ART adherence (Correct answer)
- Higher CD4 counts
- Decreased viral load
- Improved engagement in care
Correct answer: Lower rates of ART adherence
PTSD in PLWH is associated with significantly lower ART adherence, which leads to poorer virologic outcomes.
Question 2: Which substance is most commonly associated with high-risk sexual behavior and HIV transmission among PLWH?
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine (Correct answer)
- Cannabis
- Benzodiazepines
Correct answer: Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine use is strongly associated with high-risk sexual behavior and is highly prevalent among PLWH in the US.
Question 3: How should an ACRN assess for cognitive impairment in PLWH?
- Order a CT scan at every visit
- Use validated screening tools such as the MoCA or HIV Dementia Scale (Correct answer)
- Rely only on memory complaints reported by the patient
- Perform lumbar puncture annually
Correct answer: Use validated screening tools such as the MoCA or HIV Dementia Scale
Validated neurocognitive screening tools like the MoCA or HIV Dementia Scale should be used routinely to detect early cognitive changes in PLWH.
Question 4: Which approach BEST supports ART adherence in PLWH with active mental health conditions?
- Simplifying ART regimens and integrating mental health treatment (Correct answer)
- Withholding ART until mental health is stabilized
- Prescribing only injectable medications
- Delegating adherence monitoring to family members
Correct answer: Simplifying ART regimens and integrating mental health treatment
Simplifying ART regimens while simultaneously treating co-occurring mental health conditions has the strongest evidence for improving adherence in PLWH.
Question 5: A patient with HIV-associated depression refuses antidepressant therapy. The ACRN should:
- Document refusal and take no further action
- Explore the patient's concerns and provide education about treatment benefits (Correct answer)
- Insist that treatment is mandatory
- Report the patient to the prescribing physician without further discussion
Correct answer: Explore the patient's concerns and provide education about treatment benefits
Exploring patient concerns and providing education respects autonomy while promoting informed decision-making about mental health treatment.
Question 6: Social isolation in PLWH is associated with which outcome?
- Improved ART adherence
- Lower rates of depression
- Poorer health outcomes and reduced engagement in care (Correct answer)
- Decreased risk of opportunistic infections
Correct answer: Poorer health outcomes and reduced engagement in care
Social isolation is linked to poorer health outcomes, reduced care engagement, and increased psychological distress in PLWH.
ACRN ACRN Psychosocial Support & Mental Health 2
PTSD in PLWH is associated with which treatment outcome?