AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) Certification Practice Exam

The statement that HIV is a fragile virus outside the body is correct because HIV can be easily inactivated by environmental factors such as heat, dryness, and ultraviolet light. Once exposed to air, the virus degrades rapidly, making it less likely to survive outside the host for extended periods. This understanding is important for infection control practices, as it highlights the significance of proper handling and disposal of materials that may come in contact with the virus, such as needles or blood. By recognizing that HIV is fragile outside the body, healthcare professionals can effectively implement safety measures to prevent transmission.

In contrast, the other statements inaccurately characterize the nature of HIV. The assertion that it is extremely hardy outside the body contradicts established knowledge about the virus's fragility. Additionally, stating that it cannot be killed by routine sterilization methods is misleading, as standard sterilization techniques effectively eliminate the virus. Lastly, the claim regarding transmission by airborne pathogens is incorrect, as HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with certain bodily fluids, not by air.