The client with AIDS is suffering from cytomegalovirus. Which sign is often associated with cytomegalovirus? A. Multifocal lesions B. Alterations in vision C. Nausea and vomiting D. Decreasing renal function

One of the significant complications of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in individuals with AIDS is retinitis, which is an inflammation of the retina. The retina is crucial for vision as it contains photoreceptor cells that convert light into electrical signals. When CMV infects the retina, it can lead to symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, and decreased visual acuity. As the infection progresses, the person may experience a loss of peripheral vision or, in severe cases, complete blindness. This is particularly concerning for those with AIDS, as their immune system is already compromised, making it difficult to fight off the virus.

Regular eye exams are essential for individuals with AIDS to detect early signs of CMV retinitis. Treatment may include antiviral medication to control the virus, along with steroids to reduce inflammation. However, prevention and early intervention remain key. It's important for patients with AIDS to communicate any changes in vision to their healthcare provider promptly to avoid severe visual impairment or loss.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is known for its wide array of symptoms, which can vary according to the extent of the infection and the individual's immune system. In patients with AIDS, the weakened immune defenses allow CMV to cause more severe complications. Notably, symptoms might include fever, fatigue, swollen glands, and muscle aches, which can be mistaken for other common illnesses.

However, CMV can also manifest in more specific ways depending on which parts of the body it affects. It may lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, ulcers, and colitis if it infects the digestive tract, or pneumonitis if the lungs are involved. For patients undergoing treatments that affect the immune system, close monitoring for CMV symptoms is critical, and prompt antiviral therapies might be necessary to manage an active infection.

For individuals with AIDS, the immune system is significantly weakened, making them vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as CMV. This virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate when the immune system is compromised. In a fully functioning immune system, CMV infections can often resolve without the need for treatment. However, in AIDS, this virus can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications because the body cannot adequately control its spread.

Some of these complications include encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which can seriously affect the nervous system, and pneumonitis, inflammation of the lung tissue. Additionally, CMV can exacerbate the general decline in health for individuals with AIDS, further weakening their immune response, which can lead to a cycle of recurrent illnesses. It's crucial for patients with AIDS to maintain regular health check-ups and adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to help bolster their immune system against CMV and other opportunistic infections.