Nokea
A client with HIV/AIDS asks the nurse why gabapentin (Neurontin) is part of the drug regimen when the client does not have a history of seizures. What response by the nurse is best?
- A. Gabapentin can be used as an antidepressant too.
- B. I have no idea why you should be taking this drug.
- C. This drug helps treat the pain from nerve irritation.
- D. You are at risk for seizures due to fungal infections.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Many classes of medications are used for neuropathic pain, including gabapentin. It is not being used as an antidepressant or to prevent seizures from fungal infections. If the nurse does not know the answer, he or she should find out for the client, not admit ignorance.
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A client is hospitalized with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. The client reports shortness of breath with activity and extreme fatigue. What intervention is best to promote comfort?
- A. Administer sleeping medication.
- B. Perform most activities for the client.
- C. Increase the client's oxygen during activity.
- D. Pace activities, allowing for adequate rest.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This client has two major reasons for fatigue: decreased oxygenation and systemic illness. The nurse should not do everything for the client but rather let the client do as much as possible within limits and allow for adequate rest in between. Sleeping medications may be needed but not as the first step, and only with caution. Increasing oxygen during activities may or may not be warranted, but first the nurse must try pacing the client's activity.
A client has a primary selective immunoglobulin A deficiency. The nurse should prepare the client for self-management by teaching what principle of medical management?
- A. Infusions will be scheduled every 3 to 4 weeks.
- B. Treatment is aimed at treating specific infections.
- C. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment.
- D. You will need many immunoglobulin A infusions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Treatment for this disorder is vigorous management of infection, not infusion of exogenous immunoglobulins. The other responses are inaccurate.
Which findings are AIDS-defining characteristics? (Select all that apply.)
- A. CD4+ cell count less than 200/mm3 or less than 14%.
- B. Infection with human immune deficiency virus.
- C. Positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for human immune deficiency virus (HIV).
- D. Presence of HIV wasting syndrome.
- E. Taking antiretroviral medications.
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: A human with HIV/AIDS requires that the person be HIV positive and have either a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 200 cells/mm3 or less than 14% (even if the total CD4+ count is above 200 cells/mm3) or an opportunistic infection such as Pneumocystis jiroveci or HIV wasting syndrome. Having a positive ELISA test and taking antiretroviral medications are not AIDS-defining characteristics.
A client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is hospitalized with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia and is started on the drug of choice for this infection. What laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider as a priority? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Opportunistic infections and cancer are leading causes of death.
- B. Positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for human immune deficiency virus (HIV).
- C. Taking antiretroviral medications.
- D. Elevated liver enzymes.
- E. Serum sodium: 120 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: The drug of choice to treat Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole (Septra). Side effects of this drug include hepatitis, hyponatremia, and thrombocytopenia. The elevated liver enzymes and low serum sodium should all be reported. Opportunistic infections and cancer are not laboratory values, and a positive ELISA test and antiretroviral medications are expected in this context.
A client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome has oral thrush and difficulty eating. What actions does the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Apply oral anesthetic gels before meals.
- B. Assist with oral care.
- C. Offer the client frequent sips of cool drinks.
- D. Provide the client with alcohol-based mouthwash.
- E. Remind the client to use only a soft toothbrush.
Correct Answer: B,C,E
Rationale: The UAP can assist with oral care, offer fluids, and remind the client of things the nurse (or other professional) has already taught. Applying medications is performed by the nurse. Alcohol-based mouthwashes are harsh and drying and should not be used.