ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 35 : Caring for Clients With HIV AIDS Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is gathering data from laboratory studies for a client who has HIV. The client's T4-cell count is 200/mm3, and the client has been diagnosed with Pneumocystis pneumonia. What does this indicate to the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: AIDS is the end stage of HIV infection. Certain events establish the conversion of HIV infection to AIDS: a markedly decreased T4 cell count from a normal level of 800 to 1200/mm3 and the development of certain cancers and opportunistic infections. The client does not have advanced HIV; they meet the criteria for the development of AIDS. The T4-cell count is not decreasing due to an infection.
Question 2 of 5
A client who had sexual contact with a partner who is HIV+ recently develops flulike symptoms such as a low grade fever, headache, and muscle pain. What does the nurse suspect this client is experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: At the time of primary HIV infection, one third to more than one half of those infected develop acute retroviral syndrome, also called acute HIV syndrome, which often is mistaken for flu or some other common illness. Some manifestations include fever; swollen and tender lymph nodes; pharyngitis; rash about the face, trunk, palms, and soles; muscle and joint pain; headache; nausea and vomiting; and diarrhea. In addition, there may be enlargement of the liver and spleen, weight loss, and neurologic symptoms such as visual changes or cognitive and motor involvement. It is too soon after exposure for the client to develop Pneumocystis pneumonia or AIDS.
Question 3 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with HIV and has been placed on antiretroviral therapy. What does the nurse inform the client will be required for determining the progression of the disease as well as guiding drug therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Viral load testing is used to guide drug therapy and follow the progression of the disease. Viral load tests and T4-cell counts may be performed every 2 to 3 months once it is determined that a person is HIV positive. The medication should be adhered to and not discontinued. There is no cure for the disease at this time. Antiretroviral therapy is not generally changed or added to without reason or lack of response. The Western blot is used for confirmation of the presence of the HIV virus.
Question 4 of 5
A client is informed of needing to start on antiretroviral therapy, and the client is concerned about the possibility of not being able to afford the therapy. What can the nurse inform the client is the largest source of public funding for HIV/AIDS care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Medicaid, a state-based medical assistance program for low-income clients, is the largest source of public funding for HIV/AIDS care. Medicare is for clients who are over age 65 years or disabled. Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a private insurance with a cap on coverage. AIDS Drug Assistance Program is the third largest source of funding for HIV in the United States for individuals who do not have health insurance that pays for drug therapy.
Question 5 of 5
What does the nurse understand is the goal of antiretroviral therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The goal of antiretroviral therapy is to bring the viral load to a virtually undetectable level. This level is no more than 500 or 50 copies, depending on the sensitivity of the selected viral load test. It is not possible to reverse the status to a negative, and it cannot eliminate the risk of AIDS but can help with prolonging the asymptomatic stage of HIV. Antiretroviral therapy does not treat mycobacterium avium complex.