A nurse is caring for a patient hospitalized with AIDS. A friend comes to visit the patient and privately asks the nurse about the risk of contracting HIV when visiting the patient. What is the nurses best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best response is option C - "AIDS isn't transmitted by casual contact." This response is accurate and provides the necessary information to address the friend's concern. It is important to educate the friend that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through casual contact such as visiting a patient in the hospital. By stating this fact clearly, the nurse can help alleviate any unfounded fears or misconceptions the friend may have about contracting HIV while visiting the patient. This response promotes understanding and helps reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, while also emphasizing the importance of accurate information in preventing the spread of the virus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Megestrol is a synthetic progestational agent that has been found to promote significant weight gain in AIDS patients with wasting syndrome by increasing body fat stores. It is commonly used to stimulate appetite and increase caloric intake in patients experiencing anorexia and weight loss due to various medical conditions, including AIDS-related wasting. Megestrol works by increasing appetite and improving food intake, leading to weight gain and improved nutritional status in patients with HIV/AIDS. It has been shown to be effective in reversing weight loss and improving quality of life in these patients. Therefore, the drug megestrol is the most appropriate choice for promoting weight gain in AIDS patients with wasting syndrome and anorexia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with AIDS experiencing extreme anxiety is to teach the patient guided imagery. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that can help the patient reduce anxiety levels, promote a sense of calm, and improve overall well-being. By teaching the patient how to use guided imagery, the nurse empowers the patient to manage her anxiety in a non-pharmacological way. This intervention promotes self-care and allows the patient to have a tool to use independently beyond the hospital setting. Giving the patient more control of her antiretroviral regimen may be beneficial for adherence but does not directly address the anxiety symptoms. Increasing the patient's activity level may be helpful for overall well-being but may not specifically target the extreme anxiety. Collaborating with the patient's physician to obtain an order for hydromorphone, a potent opioid medication, is not appropriate unless it is indicated for severe pain management, not anxiety.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient should continue taking his corticosteroids regularly prior to testing. Corticosteroids can suppress the body's immune response and affect the results of skin tests by potentially causing a false-negative result. Instructing the patient to maintain his regular corticosteroid regimen will help ensure accurate testing results. It is essential to consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate timing for testing in relation to corticosteroid use.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's frustration with chronic nasal congestion, anosmia, and inability to concentrate indicates difficulty coping with the long-term nature of her condition and the impact it has on her daily life. Additionally, her desire for relief suggests a need for environmental modifications to help manage her symptoms. This nursing diagnosis encompasses the patient's emotional response to her condition, as well as the potential need for changes in her surroundings to better support her health and well-being.