The nurse teaches a client that the transmission of HIV infection occurs by: 1. exposure to ...

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Transmission of HIV infection is not from exposure to respiratory secretions.
Rationale 2: Transmission of HIV infection does not occur by exposure to fecal material.
Rationale 3: Transmission of HIV infection occurs by exposure to contaminated body fluids, most commonly blood or semen.
Rationale 4: Transmission of HIV infection does not occur by exposure to contaminated food.
Global Rationale: HIV infection occurs by exposure to contaminated body fluids, most commonly blood or semen, because these fluids have the highest concentration of the virus. Transmission may also occur through sexual activity or through contact of infected fluids with broken skin, mucous membranes, or needlesticks. Newborns of an HIV-infected mother may acquire the virus during birth or breast-feeding. Respiratory secretions, fecal material, and contaminated food are not implicated in transmission.