The initial assessment of the HIV-infected patient.
The initial assessment of the patient with HIV disease requires clinical staging, identification of HIV-related and nonrelated illness, discussion of specific psychosocial issues, initiation of the process of patient education, and initiation of a sustained partnership between patient and clinician. The clinical content of the assessment depends on knowledgeable history-taking, focused physical examination, and specific laboratory tests. Partnering increases the likelihood of early recognition of important signs and symptoms and the institution of appropriate therapeutic measures. Successful and satisfying clinician-patient relationships help produce better patient outcomes.
Sadovsky
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R
State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, New York 11203, USA.
Gillette
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P
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010808:Physical Examination
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents