Contemporary treatment of HIV infection requires the use of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) combined with either a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or a protease inhibitor. Which of the following NRTI backbones will you prefer to use in a patient recently diagnosed with HIV-associated dementia: a. Zidovudine plus stavudine b. Zidovudine plus lamivudine c. Zalcitabine plus didanosine d. Zalcitabine plus lamivudine e. Didanosine plus tenofovir

Compare the given NRTI backbones to determine which would be most appropriate for a patient with HIV-associated dementia: a. Zidovudine plus stavudine b. Zidovudine plus lamivudine c. Zalcitabine plus didanosine d. Zalcitabine plus lamivudine e. Didanosine plus tenofovir

When selecting an appropriate NRTI backbone, it is essential to consider the potential side effects and drug interactions of each option. This varies for each patient; therefore, the specific needs of a patient with HIV-associated dementia must be taken into account.

After considering side effects and drug interactions, focus on comparing the effectiveness of the given NRTI combinations in treating HIV-associated dementia. Research and clinical guidelines may help in determining which of these combinations have shown more promise in treating HIV-associated dementia.

Based on your understanding of side effects, drug interactions, and effectiveness, choose the NRTI backbone that you believe is the most suitable option for a patient recently diagnosed with HIV-associated dementia. In this case, the preferred NRTI backbone for a patient recently diagnosed with HIV-associated dementia is: b. Zidovudine plus lamivudine Zidovudine (AZT) has good central nervous system (CNS) penetration, which is crucial for treating HIV-associated dementia as it requires the drug to cross the blood-brain barrier. Lamivudine (3TC) is also known to have good CNS penetration and is effective when combined with zidovudine. Other combinations may not be as effective in treating HIV-associated dementia, or may have unfavorable side effects or drug interactions.