HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam Related

Review HESI Medical Surgical Specialty Exam related questions and content

A client is tested for HIV with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the test result is positive. The nurse should tell the client that:

  • A. HIV infection has been confirmed
  • B. The client probably has an opportunistic infection
  • C. The test will need to be confirmed with the use of a Western blot
  • D. A positive test is a normal result and does not mean that the client is infected with HIV
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When an ELISA test for HIV is positive, it is essential to confirm the result with a Western blot. The Western blot is the confirmatory test for HIV. Choice A is incorrect because a positive ELISA test does not confirm HIV infection. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes a different diagnosis. Choice D is incorrect because a positive ELISA test does indicate potential HIV infection and requires confirmation.