A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?
- A. CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm3
- B. White blood cell count 10,000/mm3
- C. Hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL
- D. Platelet count 200,000/mm3
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm3. In HIV, monitoring CD4-T-cell count is crucial as it reflects the immune system's ability to fight infections. A low CD4 count indicates immunosuppression, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections. Therefore, it is the nurse's priority to monitor and ensure the CD4 count remains above critical levels to prevent complications.
Other choices are incorrect because:
B: White blood cell count is important but not as specific to HIV management.
C: Hemoglobin level is important for assessing anemia but not a priority in HIV care.
D: Platelet count is important for clotting but not directly related to HIV progression.
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A nurse is preparing a client for a radiation treatment who is postoperative following a mastectomy. The nurse should inform the client to expect which of the following adverse effects from the treatment?
- A. Hair loss
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Fatigue
- D. Skin irritation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fatigue. Radiation treatment can cause fatigue as it affects healthy cells in addition to cancer cells, leading to increased tiredness. Hair loss (A) is more commonly associated with chemotherapy, while nausea and vomiting (B) are typical side effects of chemotherapy or certain medications. Skin irritation (D) is a common side effect of radiation treatment, but fatigue is the primary adverse effect in this scenario due to its impact on overall energy levels.
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the purpose of a CA 125 test. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. A CA 125 test is used to monitor a client's progress during treatment of ovarian cancer.
- B. A CA 125 test is used to detect pregnancy.
- C. A CA 125 test is used to diagnose cervical cancer.
- D. A CA 125 test is used to screen for prostate cancer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A CA 125 test is used to monitor a client's progress during treatment of ovarian cancer. This is because CA 125 is a biomarker that is commonly elevated in ovarian cancer patients. Monitoring CA 125 levels helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of treatment and detect any recurrence of the disease.
Choice B is incorrect because a CA 125 test is not used to detect pregnancy. Choice C is incorrect because a CA 125 test is not used to diagnose cervical cancer; it is primarily associated with ovarian cancer. Choice D is incorrect because a CA 125 test is not used to screen for prostate cancer; it is specific to ovarian cancer.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new arteriovenous fistula in the right forearm. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching as a possible indication of venous insufficiency?
- A. Cold and numbness distal to the fistula site
- B. Swelling around the fistula
- C. Bleeding from the fistula
- D. Pain at the site of fistula
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cold and numbness distal to the fistula site. This is indicative of venous insufficiency, which can occur when the arteriovenous fistula is not functioning properly. When there is inadequate blood flow through the fistula, it can result in reduced circulation to the distal part of the arm, leading to coldness and numbness. Swelling around the fistula (choice B) is more commonly associated with infection or inadequate drainage. Bleeding from the fistula (choice C) is a potential complication but not a typical manifestation of venous insufficiency. Pain at the site of the fistula (choice D) may indicate infection or clotting issues rather than venous insufficiency.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing menopausal symptoms and asks the nurse about menopausal hormone therapy (HT). The nurse should inform the client that HT is not recommended due to which of the following findings in the client's medical history?
- A. History of breast cancer
- B. History of hypertension
- C. History of diabetes
- D. History of osteoarthritis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: History of breast cancer. Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) is contraindicated in women with a history of breast cancer due to the potential risk of hormone-dependent cancer recurrence. Hormones can stimulate the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to inform the client with a history of breast cancer that HT is not recommended. Choices B, C, and D are not directly contraindications for HT in menopausal clients, as long as these conditions are well-controlled and monitored.
A staff nurse is teaching a client who has Addison's disease about the disease process. The client asks the nurse what causes Addison's disease. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. It is caused by the lack of production of aldosterone by the adrenal gland.
- B. It is caused by a viral infection.
- C. It is caused by the overproduction of cortisol.
- D. It is caused by an autoimmune disorder.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal insufficiency.
2. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
3. Lack of aldosterone production in Addison's disease leads to electrolyte imbalances and low blood pressure.
4. Therefore, the correct answer is A as the lack of aldosterone production by the adrenal gland is the primary cause of Addison's disease.
Summary of other choices:
B. Addison's disease is not caused by a viral infection, so this choice is incorrect.
C. Addison's disease is not caused by the overproduction of cortisol, as it is associated with cortisol deficiency.
D. The most common cause of Addison's disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the adrenal glands, leading to their dysfunction.