"HIV/AIDS NCLEX Questions Test Bank 2025–2026: 100
Verified Practice Questions with A+ Answers &
Detailed Rationales — Complete Final Exam Guide"
## Section 1: Transmission & Risk Factors (Questions 1-12)
**1. Which couple has the highest risk for sexual transmission of HIV without the use of a
condom or dental dam?**
A. Uninfected male performing vaginal intercourse with an infected female
B. Infected male performing vaginal intercourse with an uninfected female
C. Uninfected male performing anal intercourse with an infected male
D. Infected male performing oral sex on an uninfected male
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The risk of HIV transmission is highest during receptive anal intercourse,
followed by insertive anal intercourse, then vaginal intercourse. For vaginal intercourse, the risk
is greater for the female partner receiving semen from an infected male than for the male
partner exposed to vaginal secretions. This is due to the larger surface area of the vaginal
mucosa and the presence of semen containing high concentrations of the virus.
**2. A nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about HIV transmission. Which statement
indicates that further teaching is needed?**
A. "I can French-kiss my girlfriend and will not contract HIV."
B. "High-risk behaviors include the exchange of body fluids."
,C. "Having unprotected sex increases the risk of contracting HIV."
D. "If I use a condom I have to make sure I put it on correctly."
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** While casual kissing does not transmit HIV, deep or open-mouthed kissing
involving blood (such as from bleeding gums) carries a theoretical risk. The statement "I can
French-kiss my girlfriend and will not contract HIV" suggests a misunderstanding because it
does not acknowledge the potential for blood exposure. HIV is transmitted through blood,
semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk—not through saliva alone.
**3. The nurse is presenting information to a community group on safer sex practices. The
nurse should teach that which sexual practice is the riskiest?**
A. Anal intercourse
B. Masturbation
C. Oral sex
D. Vaginal intercourse
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Anal intercourse is the riskiest sexual practice because the fragile anal tissue can
tear easily, creating a portal of entry for HIV. The rectal mucosa is more susceptible to trauma
than vaginal tissue, increasing transmission risk.
**4. A 22-year-old college student tells the nurse that she is sexually active and protects herself
from HIV and other STDs by using oral contraceptives. What is the nurse's best action?**
A. Remind the student that only abstinence prevents STDs.
B. Ask the health care provider to order an HIV test for this student.
,C. Inform the student that oral contraceptives protect against pregnancy but not against any
STD.
D. Reinforce the student's preferred use of oral contraceptives.
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Oral contraceptives provide no protection against HIV or other sexually
transmitted diseases. The nurse must correct this misconception to prevent the student from
engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Abstinence is the only 100% effective method, but
condoms significantly reduce risk when used correctly.
**5. The nurse providing direct client care uses specific practices to reduce the chance of
acquiring infection with HIV from clients. Which practice is most effective?**
A. Consistent use of Standard Precautions
B. Double-gloving before body fluid exposure
C. Labeling charts and armbands HIV+
D. Wearing a mask within 3 feet of the client
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** According to The Joint Commission, the most effective preventative measure to
avoid HIV exposure is consistent use of Standard Precautions. Double-gloving is not necessary.
Labeling charts and armbands in this fashion violates HIPAA. Wearing a mask within 3 feet of
the client is part of Airborne Precautions and is not necessary for all client contact.
**6. A nurse is instructing an unlicensed health care worker on the care of a client with HIV who
also has active genital herpes. Which statement by the health care worker indicates effective
teaching of standard precautions?**
A. "I need to know my HIV status, so I must get tested before caring for any clients."
, B. "Putting on a gown and gloves will cover up the itchy sores on my elbows."
C. "Washing my hands and putting on a gown and gloves is what I must do before starting care."
D. "I will wash my hands before going into the room, and then put on gown and gloves only for
direct contact with the client's genitals."
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Standard precautions include whatever personal protective equipment (PPE) is
necessary for the prevention of transmission of HIV and genital herpes. Washing hands and
applying gown and gloves before care is appropriate. Knowing HIV status is important but is not
a standard precaution. Health care workers with weeping dermatitis should not provide direct
client care regardless of PPE use.
**7. Which member of the health care team demonstrates reducing the risk for infection for the
client with AIDS?**
A. The dietary worker hands the disposable meal trays to the LPN assigned to the client.
B. The social worker encourages the client to verbalize about stressors at home.
C. Housekeeping thoroughly cleans and disinfects the hallways near the client's room.
D. Health care provider orders vital signs including temperature every 8 hours.
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Having the dietary worker hand trays to the LPN limits the number of health
care personnel entering the room, thereby reducing the client's exposure to potential
pathogens. Verbalizing stressors addresses psychosocial needs, not infection risk. Bathrooms—
not hallways—are cleaned daily. Vital signs should be taken every 4 hours to detect potential
infection.
**8. A client with HIV is admitted with fever, night sweats, and severe cough. Laboratory results
include a CD4+ cell count of 180/mm³ and a negative TB skin test 4 days ago. What action
should the nurse take first?**
Verified Practice Questions with A+ Answers &
Detailed Rationales — Complete Final Exam Guide"
## Section 1: Transmission & Risk Factors (Questions 1-12)
**1. Which couple has the highest risk for sexual transmission of HIV without the use of a
condom or dental dam?**
A. Uninfected male performing vaginal intercourse with an infected female
B. Infected male performing vaginal intercourse with an uninfected female
C. Uninfected male performing anal intercourse with an infected male
D. Infected male performing oral sex on an uninfected male
**Answer: B**
**Rationale:** The risk of HIV transmission is highest during receptive anal intercourse,
followed by insertive anal intercourse, then vaginal intercourse. For vaginal intercourse, the risk
is greater for the female partner receiving semen from an infected male than for the male
partner exposed to vaginal secretions. This is due to the larger surface area of the vaginal
mucosa and the presence of semen containing high concentrations of the virus.
**2. A nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about HIV transmission. Which statement
indicates that further teaching is needed?**
A. "I can French-kiss my girlfriend and will not contract HIV."
B. "High-risk behaviors include the exchange of body fluids."
,C. "Having unprotected sex increases the risk of contracting HIV."
D. "If I use a condom I have to make sure I put it on correctly."
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** While casual kissing does not transmit HIV, deep or open-mouthed kissing
involving blood (such as from bleeding gums) carries a theoretical risk. The statement "I can
French-kiss my girlfriend and will not contract HIV" suggests a misunderstanding because it
does not acknowledge the potential for blood exposure. HIV is transmitted through blood,
semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk—not through saliva alone.
**3. The nurse is presenting information to a community group on safer sex practices. The
nurse should teach that which sexual practice is the riskiest?**
A. Anal intercourse
B. Masturbation
C. Oral sex
D. Vaginal intercourse
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Anal intercourse is the riskiest sexual practice because the fragile anal tissue can
tear easily, creating a portal of entry for HIV. The rectal mucosa is more susceptible to trauma
than vaginal tissue, increasing transmission risk.
**4. A 22-year-old college student tells the nurse that she is sexually active and protects herself
from HIV and other STDs by using oral contraceptives. What is the nurse's best action?**
A. Remind the student that only abstinence prevents STDs.
B. Ask the health care provider to order an HIV test for this student.
,C. Inform the student that oral contraceptives protect against pregnancy but not against any
STD.
D. Reinforce the student's preferred use of oral contraceptives.
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Oral contraceptives provide no protection against HIV or other sexually
transmitted diseases. The nurse must correct this misconception to prevent the student from
engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Abstinence is the only 100% effective method, but
condoms significantly reduce risk when used correctly.
**5. The nurse providing direct client care uses specific practices to reduce the chance of
acquiring infection with HIV from clients. Which practice is most effective?**
A. Consistent use of Standard Precautions
B. Double-gloving before body fluid exposure
C. Labeling charts and armbands HIV+
D. Wearing a mask within 3 feet of the client
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** According to The Joint Commission, the most effective preventative measure to
avoid HIV exposure is consistent use of Standard Precautions. Double-gloving is not necessary.
Labeling charts and armbands in this fashion violates HIPAA. Wearing a mask within 3 feet of
the client is part of Airborne Precautions and is not necessary for all client contact.
**6. A nurse is instructing an unlicensed health care worker on the care of a client with HIV who
also has active genital herpes. Which statement by the health care worker indicates effective
teaching of standard precautions?**
A. "I need to know my HIV status, so I must get tested before caring for any clients."
, B. "Putting on a gown and gloves will cover up the itchy sores on my elbows."
C. "Washing my hands and putting on a gown and gloves is what I must do before starting care."
D. "I will wash my hands before going into the room, and then put on gown and gloves only for
direct contact with the client's genitals."
**Answer: C**
**Rationale:** Standard precautions include whatever personal protective equipment (PPE) is
necessary for the prevention of transmission of HIV and genital herpes. Washing hands and
applying gown and gloves before care is appropriate. Knowing HIV status is important but is not
a standard precaution. Health care workers with weeping dermatitis should not provide direct
client care regardless of PPE use.
**7. Which member of the health care team demonstrates reducing the risk for infection for the
client with AIDS?**
A. The dietary worker hands the disposable meal trays to the LPN assigned to the client.
B. The social worker encourages the client to verbalize about stressors at home.
C. Housekeeping thoroughly cleans and disinfects the hallways near the client's room.
D. Health care provider orders vital signs including temperature every 8 hours.
**Answer: A**
**Rationale:** Having the dietary worker hand trays to the LPN limits the number of health
care personnel entering the room, thereby reducing the client's exposure to potential
pathogens. Verbalizing stressors addresses psychosocial needs, not infection risk. Bathrooms—
not hallways—are cleaned daily. Vital signs should be taken every 4 hours to detect potential
infection.
**8. A client with HIV is admitted with fever, night sweats, and severe cough. Laboratory results
include a CD4+ cell count of 180/mm³ and a negative TB skin test 4 days ago. What action
should the nurse take first?**
