Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 156

---

A client is recently diagnosed with HIV and highly antiretroviral therapy is started. After the first week of therapy, the patient complains of headaches, dizziness, and nightmares. Which one of the following antiretroviral drugs is most likely associated with these symptoms?

  

     A. Lamivudine

     B. Efavirenz

     C. Tenofovir

     D. Saquinavir

    

    

Correct Answer: B. Efavirenz

---

Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Side effects include rash, dizziness, confusion, headache, and nightmares.

---

Options A & C: Lamivudine and Tenofovir side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping.

Option D: Saquinavir can cause headache, nausea, diarrhea, and photosensitivity.

---