Abstract
Distal sensory peripheral neuropathy (HIV-DSP) affects upwards of 50% of people living with HIV. Causing often debilitating symptoms of tingling, numbness and burning, HIV-DSP can result in disability, unemployment and low quality of life. Comorbidities further complicate nursing care, heightening risk of polypharmacy and symptom exacerbation. Therefore, a neurological sensory assessment, combined with the patient's self-report of symptoms, can help nurse practitioners visualize, quantify and understand symptoms. Common pharmacological interventions include antiepileptics, antidepressants, analgesics and medical marijuana. The complexity of care for individuals with HIV-DSP merits a comprehensive approach. Implications for practice include interdisciplinary management with neurologists, podiatrists, mental health providers, and nurse-led counseling inclusive of patient safety teaching.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 276-280 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal for Nurse Practitioners |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 2020 |
Keywords
- AIDS
- HIV
- chronic pain management
- comorbidity
- complementary therapy
- distal sensory peripheral neuropathy (HIV-DSP)
- neuropathy assessment
- people living with HIV/AIDs (PLWH)
- polypharmacy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Advanced and Specialized Nursing