A patient has come into the free clinic asking to be tested for HIV infection. The patient asks the nurse how the test works. The nurse responds that if the testing shows that antibodies to the AIDS virus are present in the blood, this indicates what?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The patient has been infected with HIV. Antibodies to the AIDS virus in the blood indicate a past or current infection with HIV. This is because the body produces antibodies in response to the presence of the virus. A: The patient is immune to HIV is incorrect because antibodies indicate exposure, not immunity. B: The patient's immune system is intact is incorrect because the presence of antibodies does not necessarily reflect the overall functionality of the immune system. C: The patient has AIDS-related complications is incorrect because the presence of antibodies does not directly indicate the presence of AIDS-related complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because breast milk or formula is recommended for the first 4 to 6 months as it provides essential nutrients for infant growth and development. Choosing A, B, or C is incorrect as they pose health risks to infants - corn syrup is not necessary, cow's milk is not suitable for infants, and honey can cause botulism in infants under 1 year old. Breast milk or formula is the safest and most nutritionally balanced option for infants in the first few months of life.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy and offers the patient an opportunity to express their feelings. By acknowledging the patient's frustration and anger, the nurse validates their emotions and creates a safe space for communication. This response promotes trust and understanding, which are crucial in building a therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect because it immediately jumps to teaching coping strategies without addressing the patient's emotional state. Choice C is incorrect as it generalizes the patient's feelings without directly engaging with their specific concerns. Choice D is incorrect as it sounds dismissive and may make the patient feel judged or misunderstood. These responses lack the empathetic approach needed to effectively support the patient in this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Working. In the working phase, the nurse and patient actively collaborate on achieving goals, such as weight reduction strategies. The nurse assesses, plans, and implements interventions with the patient. During this phase, the focus is on building trust, exploring feelings, and identifying and addressing issues. The other choices are incorrect because in the preinteraction phase (A), there is no direct interaction yet, in the orientation phase (B), the relationship is being established, and in the termination phase (D), the relationship is coming to an end. Thus, the nurse being engaged in weight reduction strategies with the patient indicates that they are in the working phase of the helping relationship.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Obtain a stool culture to identify possible pathogens. This is the most appropriate nursing intervention because chronic diarrhea in a patient with AIDS can be caused by various pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, or viruses. By obtaining a stool culture, the healthcare team can identify the specific pathogen responsible for the diarrhea and initiate targeted treatment. A: Positioning the patient in the high Fowler's position is not directly related to addressing the underlying cause of chronic diarrhea in this patient. B: Temporarily eliminating animal protein from the patient's diet may not be necessary or effective in treating chronic diarrhea without knowing the specific cause identified through stool culture. C: Making sure the patient eats raw fruit is not recommended as raw fruits can sometimes worsen diarrhea due to their high fiber content and potential for carrying pathogens. In summary, obtaining a stool culture is the most appropriate intervention as it helps identify the specific pathogen causing the diarrhea, while the other options do not directly address the underlying cause.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct choice is C because if no urine is obtained, it indicates that the catheter is not in the urethra. The nurse should remove the catheter, wipe with alcohol to maintain cleanliness, and reinsert after lubrication to ensure proper placement in the urethra. This step-by-step approach allows for a more accurate catheter insertion and prevents potential complications. Choice A is incorrect as discarding the catheter and starting over without addressing the issue does not solve the problem. Choice B is incorrect as filling the balloon with sterile water is not relevant to the situation of catheter misplacement. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the catheter in the vagina can lead to infection and is not a recommended practice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ability of technology to prolong life beyond meaningful quality of life. In palliative care, the focus is on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses. The use of technology to prolong life can sometimes conflict with this goal, leading to ethical dilemmas. Technology may extend life without considering the patient's comfort or dignity, raising questions about the meaningfulness of prolonging life in such situations. This issue is particularly challenging in palliative care as it requires balancing the benefits of technology with the patient's quality of life. Other choices are incorrect: A: The increase in cultural diversity in the United States - While cultural diversity can present challenges in palliative care, it is not the most often presented challenging ethical issue. B: Staffing shortages in health care and questions concerning quality of care - Staffing shortages are important issues in healthcare, but they do not directly relate to the ethical dilemmas specific to palliative care. C: Increased costs of health care coupled with

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Constipation. When a patient is receiving opioids, constipation is a common side effect due to decreased gut motility. It is a priority assessment because untreated constipation can lead to serious complications such as bowel obstruction. Monitoring for constipation allows for early intervention with stool softeners or laxatives to prevent complications. Incorrect choices: A: Clostridium difficile - While important to consider in patients on antibiotics, it is not directly related to opioid use. C: Hemorrhoids - Although opioids can contribute to constipation which may exacerbate hemorrhoids, it is not the priority assessment. D: Diarrhea - Opioids typically cause constipation, so diarrhea is less likely to be a priority concern in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: At the time of menses. This is because breasts are less lumpy and tender during this time, making it easier to detect abnormalities. Performing BSE at other times may lead to false alarms due to hormonal changes. Choice B is incorrect because timing matters for accurate results. Choice C is incorrect as weekly BSE is unnecessary and may cause unnecessary anxiety. Choice D is incorrect as breasts are more lumpy and tender post-menses, potentially making it harder to detect abnormalities.