AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) Certification Practice Exam

In assessing a patient at risk for HIV, which factor is least influential?

1. History of injected drug use

2. Number of sexual partners

3. Shared needles

4. Engagement in monogamous relationships

The correct answer is: Engagement in monogamous relationships

Engagement in monogamous relationships is the least influential factor in assessing a patient's risk for HIV compared to the other factors listed. Monogamous relationships typically involve sexual activity with a single partner, which can reduce the likelihood of exposure to HIV, especially if both partners are known to be uninfected. In contrast, a history of injected drug use, the number of sexual partners, and shared needles are all strongly associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission. Injected drug use exposes individuals to the virus through shared equipment, while a higher number of sexual partners raises the chances of encountering someone who may be HIV-positive. Similarly, sharing needles significantly elevates the risk, as it directly facilitates the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, including the HIV virus. Therefore, while monogamous relationships can contribute positively to risk reduction, the other factors represent behaviors that have a more direct and significant correlation with HIV transmission risk.