Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What complication is most frequently observed in patients with HIV?

1. Pneumonia

2. Peripheral neuropathy

3. Cardiovascular disease

4. Cognitive decline

The correct answer is: Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is identified as the complication most frequently observed in patients with HIV due to several factors related to the disease and its treatment. HIV can lead to neurocognitive complications and infections that affect the nervous system. Additionally, antiretroviral therapy (ART), while crucial for managing HIV, can sometimes induce peripheral neuropathy as a side effect. The condition manifests as tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities, significantly impacting a patient's quality of life. In contrast, while pneumonia is common in individuals with HIV due to their compromised immune systems, it is often a presenting illness related to opportunistic infections rather than a primary complication. Cardiovascular disease is a concern for those with HIV, especially as they age or if they have other risk factors, but it is not as consistently common as peripheral neuropathy. Cognitive decline can occur in later stages of HIV infection, particularly in the context of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, but peripheral neuropathy is more frequently reported among patients at various stages of HIV. Thus, peripheral neuropathy stands out as the most prevalent complication observed in this patient population.