NCLEX RN Pediatric Questions Related

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A client seeks medical evaluation for fatigue, night sweats, and a 20-lb weight loss in 6 weeks. To confirm that the client has been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the nurse expects the physician to order:

  • A. E-rosette immunofluorescence
  • B. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
  • C. Quantification of T-lymphocytes (ELISA)
  • D. Western blot test with ELISA
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The confirmatory test for HIV infection is a Western blot test. However, before a Western blot test is conducted, an initial screening test with high sensitivity, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is typically performed. ELISA is used to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood. If the ELISA test is positive, a Western blot test is then performed to confirm the presence of specific HIV antibodies. The Western blot test is a more specific test for HIV antibodies and is used to confirm the diagnosis. Therefore, in this case, the physician would most likely order a Western blot test following a positive ELISA test to confirm the client's HIV infection.