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A hospital patient is immunocompromised because of stage 3 HIV infection and the physician has ordered a chest radiograph. How should the nurse most safely facilitate the test?
- A. Arrange for a portable x-ray machine to be used.
- B. Have the patient wear a mask to the x-ray department.
- C. Ensure that the radiology department has been disinfected prior to the test.
- D. Send the patient to the x-ray department, and have the staff in the department wear masks.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A patient who is immunocompromised is at an increased risk of contracting nosocomial infections due to suppressed immunity. The safest way the test can be facilitated is to have a portable x-ray machine in the patients room. This confers more protection than disinfecting the radiology department or using masks.
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A public health nurse is preparing an educational campaign to address a recent local increase in the incidence of HIV infection. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
- A. Lifestyle actions that improve immune function
- B. Educational programs that focus on control and prevention
- C. Appropriate use of standard precautions
- D. Screening programs for youth and young adults
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Until an effective vaccine is developed, preventing HIV by eliminating and reducing risk behaviors is essential. Educational interventions are the primary means by which behaviors can be influenced. Screening is appropriate, but education is paramount. Enhancing immune function does not prevent HIV infection. Ineffective use of standard precautions apply to very few cases of HIV infection.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has been admitted for the treatment of AIDS. In the morning, the patient tells the nurse that he experienced night sweats and recently coughed up some blood. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
- A. Assess the patient for additional signs and symptoms of Kaposis sarcoma.
- B. Review the patients most recent viral load and CD4+ count.
- C. Place the patient on respiratory isolation and inform the physician.
- D. Perform oral suctioning to reduce the patients risk for aspiration.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: These signs and symptoms are suggestive of tuberculosis, not Kaposis sarcoma; prompt assessment and treatment is necessary. There is no indication of a need for oral suctioning and the patients blood work will not reflect the onset of this opportunistic infection.
A nurse is caring for a patient hospitalized with AIDS. A friend comes to visit the patient and privately asks the nurse about the risk of contracting HIV when visiting the patient. What is the nurses best response?
- A. Do you think that you might already have HIV?
- B. Dont worry. Your immune system is likely very healthy.
- C. AIDS isnt transmitted by casual contact.
- D. You cant contract AIDS in a hospital setting.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: AIDS is commonly transmitted by contact with blood and body fluids. Patients, family, and friends must be reassured that HIV is not spread through casual contact. A healthy immune system is not necessarily a protection against HIV. A hospital setting does not necessarily preclude HIV infection.
The nurse is addressing condom use in the context of a health promotion workshop. When discussing the correct use of condoms, what should the nurse tell the attendees?
- A. Attach the condom prior to erection.
- B. A condom may be reused with the same partner if ejaculation has not occurred.
- C. Use skin lotion as a lubricant if alternatives are unavailable.
- D. Hold the condom by the cuff upon withdrawal.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The condom should be unrolled over the hard penis before any kind of sex. The condom should be held by the tip to squeeze out air. Skin lotions, baby oil, petroleum jelly, or cold cream should not be used with condoms because they cause latex deterioration/condom breakage. The condom should be held during withdrawal so it does not come off the penis. Condoms should never be reused.
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: Therapy with octreotide acetate (Sandostatin), a synthetic analogue of somatostatin, has been shown to be effective in managing chronic severe diarrhea. Zithromax, Levaquin, and Biaxin are not used to treat chronic severe diarrhea.