What should the nurse instruct a patient who has tested positive for HIV antibodies?

The most appropriate instruction for a patient who has tested positive for HIV antibodies is to indicate that the EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) test will need to be repeated to verify the results. Initial positive results from an HIV antibody test can occasionally yield false positives due to various factors such as certain medical conditions, recent vaccinations, or laboratory errors. Therefore, it is standard practice to confirm a positive test result with a follow-up test to ensure accuracy before proceeding with any further treatment or counseling. This emphasizes the importance of accuracy in diagnosis and management of HIV, reducing anxiety and ensuring that the patient receives the appropriate care based on confirmed results.

The other options, while related to the topic of HIV, do not accurately address the immediate next steps following a positive screening test result. For instance, while a viral culture may be used in specific circumstances, it is not the standard follow-up for confirming an antibody test. Moreover, stating that it will probably be 10 or more years before developing AIDS is not definitive and can vary greatly between individuals. Lastly, while the Western blot test is used for confirmation of HIV infection, the EIA test is typically the first step, and a repeated EIA test would precede the Western blot in verifying the diagnosis