Describing the immuno compromised as having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Registry, all over the place.

The other day in clinical, I was looking through my assigned patients chart and noticed in the physicians notes that this person had acquired immuno deficiency syndrome. I wondered why that would be deep in someone's chart and not listed with the other diagnosis. I asked my instructor this and she had no idea. So I asked the nurse who was assigned to my patient if she had any idea if this patient had AIDS or not and she had no idea. Another nurse looked at the chart and said that's how all patients who are immuno compromised are described. I am not a nurse, but I was wondering if this is common practice, this is a rehab by the way. It doesn't seem quite right that a patient be described as having another disease when they are immuno compromised, can't one be sick, or taking particular meds. and be immuno compomised without having acquired immuno deficiency syndrome? The two do not seem synonymous. Any thoughts, input or education is welcomed and appreciated.

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The other day in clinical, I was looking through my assigned patients chart and noticed in the physicians notes that this person had acquired immuno deficiency syndrome. I wondered why that would be deep in someone's chart and not listed with the other diagnosis. I asked my instructor this and she had no idea. So I asked the nurse who was assigned to my patient if she had any idea if this patient had AIDS or not and she had no idea. Another nurse looked at the chart and said that's how all patients who are immuno compromised are described. I am not a nurse, but I was wondering if this is common practice, this is a rehab by the way. It doesn't seem quite right that a patient be described as having another disease when they are immuno compromised, can't one be sick, or taking particular meds. and be immuno compomised without having acquired immuno deficiency syndrome? The two do not seem synonymous. Any thoughts, input or education is welcomed and appreciated.

Yes, a pt can be immuno compromised without having AIDS. The fact that the Dr. noted the pts condition in his notes is what tells you the pt has AIDS. My guess would be that is was noted that way due to pt confidentiality reasons.

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Yes, a pt can be immuno compromised without having AIDS. The fact that the Dr. noted the pts condition in his notes is what tells you the pt has AIDS. My guess would be that is was noted that way due to pt confidentiality reasons.

I will bet the patient does not know it yet. I have come across a few situations like this. Use the universal precautions and you will be safe.

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Specializes in Registry, all over the place.
I will bet the patient does not know it yet. I have come across a few situations like this. Use the universal precautions and you will be safe.

Well that's scary for the patient! I use the same precautions for all patients that aren't isolation, I was more concerned with the patient. If he doesn't have AIDS and that's just the way he was described, if his chart is ever reviewed by insurance companies, or anyone else couldn't this have a horribly adverse effect? I guess it would make sense that that wouldn't be there by mistake. Thanks to all who responded!

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Another nurse looked at the chart and said that's how all patients who are immuno compromised are described.

No, that is not how all patients that are immuno compromised are described. Not all immune compromises are acquired. They are not synonymous! You are thinking correctly. Sorry that you were misinformed by the other nurse. Hopefully, she was merely busy and not fully listening or understanding your question.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Could be buried deep within because that dx is totally unrelated to the admission dx/s?

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