Nokea
During the admission assessment of an HIV-positive patient whose CD4+ count has recently fallen, the nurse carefully assesses for signs and symptoms related to opportunistic infections. What is the most common life-threatening infection?
- A. Salmonella infection
- B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- C. Clostridium difficile
- D. Pneumocystis pneumonia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pneumocystis pneumonia. This is the most common life-threatening infection in HIV-positive patients with low CD4+ counts. Pneumocystis pneumonia is caused by the opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii, which can lead to severe respiratory distress and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. The other choices, A: Salmonella infection, B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and C: Clostridium difficile, can also cause infections in HIV-positive patients, but they are not as commonly associated with life-threatening complications in this population compared to Pneumocystis pneumonia. It is crucial for the nurse to prioritize assessment for signs and symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia in this patient to promptly intervene and prevent further complications.
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The nurse is providing home care for a patient diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Which dietary intervention will the nurse add to the care plan?
- A. Provide small, frequent nutrient-dense meals for maximizing kilocalories.
- B. Prepare hot meals because they are more easily tolerated by the patient.
- C. Avoid salty foods and limit liquids to preserve electrolytes.
- D. Encourage intake of fatty foods to increase caloric intake.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because providing small, frequent nutrient-dense meals helps maximize kilocalories, which is important for patients with AIDS who may have difficulty maintaining weight due to their compromised immune system. This approach ensures the patient receives essential nutrients and energy to support their immune function.
Choice B is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that hot meals are more easily tolerated by AIDS patients.
Choice C is incorrect because limiting liquids can lead to dehydration, which is especially detrimental for individuals with weakened immune systems.
Choice D is incorrect as encouraging the intake of fatty foods may not necessarily provide the necessary nutrients and energy required for immune support in AIDS patients.
A patient with HIV is admitted to the hospital because of chronic severe diarrhea. The nurse caring for this patient should expect the physician to order what drug for the management of the patients diarrhea?
- A. Zithromax
- B. Sandostatin
- C. Levaquin
- D. Biaxin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sandostatin. This drug is a somatostatin analog that can help manage HIV-related chronic severe diarrhea by reducing gastrointestinal secretions. Sandostatin works by inhibiting the release of various hormones and neurotransmitters in the gut, which can help control diarrhea in HIV patients.
Rationale:
A: Zithromax is an antibiotic that is not typically used to manage chronic severe diarrhea in HIV patients.
C: Levaquin is also an antibiotic and not indicated for managing diarrhea in HIV patients.
D: Biaxin is another antibiotic and not the appropriate choice for managing chronic severe diarrhea in HIV patients.
In summary, Sandostatin is the correct choice as it specifically targets the underlying cause of diarrhea in HIV patients by reducing gastrointestinal secretions, whereas the other options are antibiotics that are not indicated for this purpose.
A patient with multiple food and environmental allergies tells the nurse that he is frustrated and angry about having to be so watchful all the time and wonders if it is really worth it. What would be the nurses best response?
- A. I can only imagine how you feel. Would you like to talk about it?
- B. Lets find a quiet spot and Ill teach you a few coping strategies.
- C. Thats the same way that most patients who have a chronic illness feel.
- D. Do you think that maybe you could be managing things more efficiently?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy and offers the patient an opportunity to express their feelings. By acknowledging the patient's frustration and anger, the nurse validates their emotions and creates a safe space for communication. This response promotes trust and understanding, which are crucial in building a therapeutic relationship.
Choice B is incorrect because it immediately jumps to teaching coping strategies without addressing the patient's emotional state. Choice C is incorrect as it generalizes the patient's feelings without directly engaging with their specific concerns. Choice D is incorrect as it sounds dismissive and may make the patient feel judged or misunderstood. These responses lack the empathetic approach needed to effectively support the patient in this situation.
A patient with otosclerosis has significant hearing loss. What should the nurse do to best facilitate communication with the patient?
- A. Sit or stand in front of the patient when speaking.
- B. Use exaggerated lip and mouth movements when talking.
- C. Stand in front of a light or window when speaking.
- D. Say the patients name loudly before starting to talk.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sit or stand in front of the patient when speaking. This choice is correct because it allows the patient with otosclerosis to directly see the nurse's face and lip movements, aiding in lip-reading and understanding speech. Sitting or standing in front of the patient also ensures better eye contact and reduces background noise interference.
Choice B is incorrect because exaggerated lip and mouth movements may distort speech and make it harder for the patient to understand. Choice C is incorrect because standing in front of a light or window can create glare and make it difficult for the patient to see the nurse's face clearly. Choice D is incorrect because saying the patient's name loudly before starting to talk does not directly address the communication needs of a patient with otosclerosis.
The nurse is teaching breast self-examination (BSE) to a group of women. The nurse should recommend that the women perform BSE at what time?
- A. At the time of menses
- B. At any convenient time, regardless of cycles
- C. Weekly
- D. Between days 5 and 7 after menses
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: At the time of menses. This is because breasts are less lumpy and tender during this time, making it easier to detect abnormalities. Performing BSE at other times may lead to false alarms due to hormonal changes. Choice B is incorrect because timing matters for accurate results. Choice C is incorrect as weekly BSE is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary anxiety. Choice D is incorrect as breasts are more lumpy and tender post-menses, potentially making it harder to detect abnormalities.