A patient who is being tested for HIV asks what tests are used. The nurse would correct in stating that the tests used to confirm HIV infection are which of the following?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and Western Blot are the two main tests used to confirm HIV infection. ELISA is typically the first test performed to detect HIV antibodies in the blood. If the ELISA test is positive, the Western Blot test is then used to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies and differentiate between HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. Both tests are highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing HIV infection. Other tests like CD4+ count and viral load are used to monitor disease progression but are not used primarily to confirm HIV infection.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Prednisone, or Deltasone, is a corticosteroid medication commonly prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. One of the common adverse reactions to corticosteroids like prednisone is fluid retention and weight gain. This can occur due to the drug's effect on sodium and water retention in the body, leading to edema and increased body weight. Monitoring for signs of fluid retention, such as swelling in the extremities, and weight changes is important during follow-up visits to ensure the client's well-being and to address any concerns promptly. Tetany and tremors (choice A) are not typically associated with prednisone use, and anorexia and weight loss (choice C) are not common adverse reactions but rather less common side effects of prednisone.

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: B

Rationale: Blood type AB is the rarest of all the blood types. This is because individuals with AB blood type have both A and B antigens on their red blood cells, making it less common than other blood types. In the ABO blood group system, the distribution of blood types in the general population is approximately 45% type O, 40% type A, 11% type B, and only about 4% type AB. Therefore, blood type AB would be identified as the rarest in the given options.

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.