A female client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receives family-planning counseling. Which statement about safer sex practices for persons with HIV is accurate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A latex condom with spermicide provides the best protection against HIV transmission during sexual intercourse. Safer sex practices for persons with HIV involve using condoms consistently and correctly during every sexual encounter to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to partners, regardless of their HIV status. Spermicide, while offering additional protection against pregnancies, does not provide additional protection against HIV transmission. Other contraceptive methods like birth control pills, implants, and injections are not effective in preventing HIV transmission. The intrauterine device is also not specifically recommended for clients with HIV as it does not provide protection against HIV transmission during sexual activities.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A hemolytic reaction is the most likely problem associated with blood transfusion. A hemolytic reaction occurs when the body's immune system attacks the transfused blood, leading to the destruction of red blood cells. This reaction can cause serious complications, including kidney damage, shock, and even death. It is crucial for healthcare providers to carefully match blood types and perform compatibility testing before administering a blood transfusion to minimize the risk of a hemolytic reaction. Serum hepatitis, pulmonary edema, and allergic responses are potential complications of blood transfusions, but hemolytic reactions pose the most immediate and severe threat to the patient's health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the body's immune system by helping to fight off infections and diseases. A decrease in the number of lymphocytes with age means that the immune system may not function as effectively as it used to. This can lead to a decreased resistance to infections, making older individuals more susceptible to illnesses and diseases. Therefore, the effect of a decrease in the number of lymphocytes with age is a decreased resistance to infection.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Patients who have undergone splenectomy are at risk for overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI) due to the absence of a functioning spleen, which is important in fighting certain types of infections, especially those caused by encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Symptoms of OPSI can include fever, chills, weakness, and rapid breathing. Fever is a significant sign that alerts the nurse to the possibility of OPSI in a post-splenectomy patient, as it may indicate an infection that the body is struggling to fight without the spleen's immune support. This is a crucial symptom to monitor and act upon promptly to prevent serious complications in these individuals.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Using a 1 inch needle is the appropriate gauge needle for drawing up medication and injecting it. The length of the needle is important to ensure that the medication reaches the intended target area and is administered effectively. Shorter needles may not penetrate deep enough, while longer needles may increase the risk of complications such as injecting the medication into the wrong tissue or causing discomfort to the patient. Therefore, using a 1 inch needle is the correct choice for administering medication safely and accurately.