Nursing Process Questions and Answers PDF Related

Review Nursing Process Questions and Answers PDF related questions and content

A client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) undergoes intradermal anergy testing using Candida and mumps antigen. During the 3 days following the tests, there is no induration or evidence of reaction at the intradermal injection sites. The most accurate conclusion the nurse can make is:

  • A. The client has no previous exposure to the antigens injected
  • B. The results demonstrate the client has antibodies to the antigens
  • C. The client is immunodeficient and won’t have a skin response
  • D. The client isn’t allergic to the antigens and therefore doesn’t react
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a lack of response to intradermal anergy testing suggests an inability to mount a normal delayed-type hypersensitivity response, indicating immunodeficiency. This could be due to conditions such as HIV, which impairs cell-mediated immunity.

Choice A is incorrect because absence of reaction does not necessarily indicate lack of previous exposure to antigens.

Choice B is incorrect as the absence of response doesn't confirm the presence of antibodies.

Choice D is incorrect because anergy testing is not used to assess allergy, but rather to evaluate cell-mediated immunity.