Nokea
A nurse is working with a patient who was diagnosed with HIV several months earlier. The nurse should recognize that a patient with HIV is considered to have AIDS at the point when the CD4+ T- lymphocyte cell count drops below what threshold?
- A. 75 cells/mm3 of blood
- B. 200 cells/mm3 of blood
- C. 325 cells/mm3 of blood
- D. 450 cells/mm3 of blood
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (200 cells/mm3 of blood) because a patient with HIV is considered to have AIDS when their CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell count drops below 200 cells/mm3. This threshold signifies a significant decrease in the immune system's ability to fight off infections and indicates progression to AIDS.
Choice A (75 cells/mm3 of blood) is incorrect because this level is extremely low and would indicate severe immunosuppression, likely leading to AIDS much earlier than anticipated.
Choice C (325 cells/mm3 of blood) and D (450 cells/mm3 of blood) are also incorrect as these levels are within the normal range or slightly lower, which would not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of AIDS.
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A patient at high risk for breast cancer is scheduled for an incisional biopsy in the outpatient surgery department. When the nurse is providing preoperative education, the patient asks why an incisional biopsy is being done instead of just removing the mass. What would be the nurses best response?
- A. An incisional biopsy is performed because its known to be less painful and more accurate than other forms of testing.
- B. An incisional biopsy is performed to confirm a diagnosis and so that special studies can be done that will help determine the best treatment.
- C. An incisional biopsy is performed to assess the potential for recovery from a mastectomy.
- D. An incisional biopsy is performed on patients who are younger than the age of 40 and who are otherwise healthy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because an incisional biopsy is typically performed to confirm a diagnosis by obtaining a sample of the tissue in question. This allows for further analysis through special studies to determine the best course of treatment. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: The reason for performing an incisional biopsy is not primarily based on pain or accuracy comparisons with other testing methods.
C: An incisional biopsy is not done to assess potential recovery from a mastectomy but rather to diagnose the nature of the mass.
D: Age and general health status are not sole criteria for determining the need for an incisional biopsy.
A patient presents at the ED after receiving a chemical burn to the eye. What would be the nurses initial intervention for this patient?
- A. Generously flush the affected eye with a dilute antibiotic solution.
- B. Generously flush the affected eye with normal saline or water.
- C. Apply a patch to the affected eye.
- D. Apply direct pressure to the affected eye.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct initial intervention for a chemical burn to the eye is to generously flush the affected eye with normal saline or water. Flushing helps to remove the chemical from the eye, preventing further damage. Antibiotic solution (choice A) is not the first intervention as the priority is to remove the chemical. Applying a patch (choice C) can trap the chemical against the eye, worsening the injury. Applying direct pressure (choice D) is not appropriate and can cause additional harm. Flushing with normal saline or water is the most effective and safest initial intervention to minimize damage from a chemical burn to the eye.
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: The correct answer is C: Place the patient on respiratory isolation and inform the physician. This is the most appropriate action because the patient is exhibiting symptoms that could be indicative of a potentially infectious respiratory condition, such as tuberculosis or pneumonia. Placing the patient on respiratory isolation helps prevent the spread of infection to others and protects healthcare workers. Informing the physician promptly allows for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Choice A is incorrect as Kaposi's sarcoma typically presents with skin lesions rather than respiratory symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as reviewing viral load and CD4+ count would not address the immediate concern of respiratory symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as oral suctioning is not the appropriate intervention for night sweats and coughing up blood.
Which data found on a patient’s health history would place her at risk for an ectopic pregnancy?
- A. Ovarian cyst 2 years ago
- B. Recurrent pelvic infections
- C. Use of oral contraceptives for 5 years
- D. Heavy menstrual flow of 4 days’ duration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Recurrent pelvic infections. Pelvic infections can lead to scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ovarian cysts and oral contraceptives are not directly linked to ectopic pregnancies. Heavy menstrual flow does not inherently increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
A patient with a hip fracture is having difficulty defecating into a bedpan while lying in bed. Which action by the nurse will assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement?
- A. Preparing to administer a barium enema
- B. Withholding narcotic pain medication
- C. Administering laxatives to the patient
- D. Raising the head of the bed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: Option D is correct because raising the head of the bed promotes a more natural position for defecation, allowing gravity to assist. This position helps align the rectum and anal canal, making it easier for the patient to have a bowel movement. Administering laxatives (Option C) may help, but adjusting the bed position is a non-invasive and more immediate intervention. Withholding pain medication (Option B) could lead to unnecessary discomfort for the patient. Administering a barium enema (Option A) is not indicated for addressing difficulty with defecation.