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During the admission assessment of an HIV-positive patient whose CD4+ count has recently fallen, the nurse carefully assesses for signs and symptoms related to opportunistic infections. What is the most common life-threatening infection?
- A. Salmonella infection
- B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- C. Clostridium difficile
- D. Pneumocystis pneumonia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pneumocystis pneumonia. This is the most common life-threatening infection in HIV-positive patients with low CD4+ counts. Pneumocystis pneumonia is caused by the opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii, which can lead to severe respiratory distress and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. The other choices, A: Salmonella infection, B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and C: Clostridium difficile, can also cause infections in HIV-positive patients, but they are not as commonly associated with life-threatening complications in this population compared to Pneumocystis pneumonia. It is crucial for the nurse to prioritize assessment for signs and symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia in this patient to promptly intervene and prevent further complications.
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The nurse is caring for patients with ostomies.In which ostomy location will the nurse expect very liquid stool to be present?
- A. Sigmoid
- B. Transverse
- C. Ascending
- D. Descending
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ascending. Stool consistency varies based on the location of the ostomy. The ascending colon is responsible for absorbing water from stool, so an ostomy in this location will have very liquid stool. Sigmoid, transverse, and descending colons are responsible for further solidifying stool, so ostomies in those locations would not typically have very liquid stool.
Which patient ismostat risk for increased peristalsis?
- A. A 5-year-old child who ignores the urge to defecate owing to embarrassment
- B. A 21-year-old female with three final examinations on the same day
- C. A 40-year-old female with major depressive disorder
- D. An 80-year-old male in an assisted-living environment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Stress, like having three final examinations on the same day, can lead to increased peristalsis due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This can result in faster movement of food through the digestive system. The other choices are incorrect because: A - Ignoring the urge to defecate does not directly relate to increased peristalsis. C - Major depressive disorder is more likely to be associated with decreased peristalsis due to the effects of stress on the body. D - Elderly individuals tend to have reduced peristalsis due to age-related changes in the digestive system.
A nurse is pouching an ostomy on a patient withan ileostomy. Which action by the nurse ismostappropriate?
- A. Changing the skin barrier portion of the ostomy pouch daily
- B. Emptying the pouch if it is more than one-third to one-half full
- C. Thoroughly cleansing the skin around the stoma with soap and water to remove excess stool and adhesive
- D. Measuring the correct size for the barrier device while leaving a 1/2-inch space around the stoma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, emptying the pouch if it is more than one-third to one-half full. This action is appropriate to prevent leakage and skin irritation. When the pouch becomes too full, it can put pressure on the seal, leading to potential leaks. Emptying the pouch at one-third to one-half fullness helps maintain a secure seal and prevents skin breakdown.
Choice A is incorrect because changing the skin barrier portion of the ostomy pouch daily is unnecessary and can lead to skin irritation and breakdown.
Choice C is incorrect because cleansing the skin around the stoma with soap and water excessively can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.
Choice D is incorrect because leaving a 1/2-inch space around the stoma when measuring for the barrier device may result in an improper fit, leading to leakage and skin issues.
Which behaviors indicate the nurse is using criticalthinking standards when communicating with patients? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Instills faith
- B. Uses humility
- C. Portrays self-confidence
- D. Exhibits supportiveness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Uses humility. Critical thinking in nursing involves being open-minded, self-aware, and willing to consider different perspectives. Humility allows nurses to acknowledge their limitations, seek feedback, and continuously learn and improve. Instilling faith (A) may be important but does not directly relate to critical thinking standards. Self-confidence (C) can be beneficial, but excessive confidence can lead to closed-mindedness. Supportiveness (D) is valuable in patient care but does not specifically demonstrate critical thinking standards. In summary, humility enables nurses to approach patient communication with an open and reflective mindset, essential for applying critical thinking standards effectively.
A nurse is preparing a patient for allergy skin testing. Which of the following precautionary steps is most important for the nurse to follow?
- A. The patient must not have received an immunization within 7 days.
- B. The nurse should administer albuterol 30 to 45 minutes prior to the test.
- C. Prophylactic epinephrine should be administered before the test.
- D. Emergency equipment should be readily available.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Having emergency equipment readily available is crucial during allergy skin testing as it can lead to severe allergic reactions. This precaution ensures prompt intervention in case of anaphylaxis. Other choices are incorrect because: A) Recent immunizations do not directly impact the skin testing process. B) Administering albuterol is not a standard pre-test requirement. C) Prophylactic epinephrine is not routinely given before allergy skin testing.