ABSTRACT
This chapter describes normal immunity, illustrating dysfunction through human immunosuppressive virus (HIV) and AIDS-related complex (ARC). Immunity may be: non-specific and specific. HIV primarily attacks CD4 lymphocytes, causing progressive problems with immunodeficiency. HIV and ARC have raised more ethical dilemmas and issues than any other disease. Relatives may discover diagnosis of HIV/ARC from death certificates, having been unaware, and perhaps disapproving, of the deceased's lifestyle. HIV and ARC have created medical and ethical challenges for healthcare. The unique role of nurses in the intensive care unit (ICU) team enables them to challenge and resolve stigmas and negative attitudes to meet the psychological and physiological needs of their patients. Treatment for HIV is relatively long-term, and knowing HIV status would often not alter their care on the ICU, so tests should usually wait until they are fully conscious and can make an informed decision.
