Nokea
A nurse is caring for a client who has HIV. Which of the following laboratory values is the nurse's priority?
- A. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL
- B. Platelet count of 350,000/mm3
- C. CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm3
- D. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm3
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm3. In HIV care, monitoring the CD4-T-cell count is crucial as it reflects the immune system's ability to fight infections. A low CD4 count indicates a weakened immune system, increasing the client's susceptibility to opportunistic infections. This value guides treatment decisions, such as initiating antiretroviral therapy. The other options, while important, do not directly reflect the client's immune status in the context of HIV. Hemoglobin and platelet counts are relevant for assessing anemia and clotting function, respectively. White blood cell count is a general indicator of infection or inflammation. Prioritizing CD4-T-cell count ensures appropriate management of HIV and prevention of complications.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is HIV positive and is one day postoperative following an appendectomy. The nurse should wear a gown as personal protective equipment when taking which of the following actions?
- A. Changing the client's linens
- B. Administering oral medications
- C. Taking vital signs
- D. Completing a dressing change
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Completing a dressing change. When completing a dressing change for a client who is HIV positive and postoperative, the nurse should wear a gown as personal protective equipment to prevent potential exposure to blood or body fluids. This is crucial for infection control and to protect both the nurse and the client.
Choice A: Changing the client's linens does not necessarily require wearing a gown unless there is a risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Choice B: Administering oral medications does not require wearing a gown as there is no risk of exposure to blood or body fluids.
Choice C: Taking vital signs also does not require wearing a gown unless there is a possibility of exposure to blood or body fluids during the procedure.
In summary, completing a dressing change involves the risk of exposure to blood or body fluids, hence the need for wearing a gown. Other actions listed do not carry the same level of risk, therefore do not require the use of a gown as personal protective
A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings shouldn't the nurse expect?
- A. Increased heart rate
- B. Increased blood pressure
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Increased hematocrit
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased hematocrit. In fluid overload, there is an excess of fluid in the body, leading to dilution of blood components including hematocrit. Therefore, an increased hematocrit would not be expected. Increased heart rate (A), blood pressure (B), and respiratory rate (C) are all common findings in fluid overload due to the body's compensatory mechanisms to maintain adequate perfusion. Thus, these findings are expected.
A nurse assesses a client in skeletal traction. What indicates infection at the pin sites?
- A. Pallor
- B. Fever
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Elevated blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fever. Infection at the pin sites in skeletal traction commonly presents with systemic signs like fever. Fever is a typical response to infection as the body tries to fight off the invading pathogens. Pallor, bradycardia, and elevated blood pressure are not specific indicators of infection at pin sites. Pallor may indicate poor perfusion, bradycardia is a slow heart rate which is not typically associated with infection, and elevated blood pressure can be a response to various stressors but not a specific sign of infection at pin sites. In summary, fever is the most reliable indicator of infection at pin sites due to its systemic nature.
A nurse explains to a client why two chest tubes are in place after a lobectomy. What is the lower chest tube for?
- A. Draining air from the pleural space
- B. Draining blood and fluid from the pleural space
- C. Providing oxygen directly to the lungs
- D. Preventing lung collapse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lower chest tube after a lobectomy is to drain blood and fluid from the pleural space. This is crucial to prevent complications such as fluid accumulation, which can lead to infection or impaired lung expansion. The other choices are incorrect because: A) Draining air is usually done by the upper chest tube, C) Providing oxygen does not require a chest tube, and D) Preventing lung collapse is more related to the function of the upper chest tube in maintaining negative pressure in the pleural space.
During a routine physical examination, a nurse observes a 1-cm (0.4-in) lesion on a client's chest. The lesion is raised and flesh-colored with pearly white borders. The nurse should recognize that this finding is suggestive of which of the following types of skin cancer?
- A. Melanoma
- B. Squamous cell carcinoma
- C. Basal cell carcinoma
- D. Kaposi's sarcoma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma typically presents as a raised, flesh-colored lesion with pearly white borders. This type of skin cancer is the most common and is usually slow-growing with low metastatic potential. It is often found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and chest. Melanoma (A) is characterized by asymmetry, irregular borders, varied color, and a diameter larger than 6mm. Squamous cell carcinoma (B) is usually a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly crust. Kaposi's sarcoma (D) typically presents as purple or blue-black patches or nodules on the skin.