During the admission assessment of an HIV-positive patient whose CD4+ count has recently fallen, the nurse carefully assesses for signs and symptoms related to opportunistic infections. What is the most common life-threatening infection?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pneumocystis pneumonia. This is the most common life-threatening infection in HIV-positive patients with low CD4+ counts. Pneumocystis pneumonia is caused by the opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii, which can lead to severe respiratory distress and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. The other choices, A: Salmonella infection, B: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and C: Clostridium difficile, can also cause infections in HIV-positive patients, but they are not as commonly associated with life-threatening complications in this population compared to Pneumocystis pneumonia. It is crucial for the nurse to prioritize assessment for signs and symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia in this patient to promptly intervene and prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because instilling the medication in the conjunctival sac allows for direct absorption into the eye tissues. This method ensures that the medication reaches the target area for treating glaucoma effectively. Maintaining a supine position (choice B) or keeping the eyes closed (choice C) after administration does not enhance absorption and may lead to wasted medication. Applying the medication to the sclera (choice D) is incorrect as it does not target the specific area needed for treating glaucoma.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because neurogenic dysphagia is caused by neurological conditions affecting swallowing function, such as a stroke. In a stroke, damage to the brain can impair the coordination of swallowing muscles, leading to dysphagia. Choice A is incorrect because benign peptic stricture is a narrowing of the esophagus due to chronic acid reflux, not a neurological issue. Choice B is incorrect because muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and does not directly impact the neurological control of swallowing. Choice C is incorrect because myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that affects neuromuscular transmission but is not typically associated with neurogenic dysphagia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Acyclovir (Zovirax). Acyclovir is an antiviral medication specifically used to treat herpes infections, including genital herpes. It works by inhibiting the replication of the herpes virus, thereby suppressing symptoms and shortening the course of the infection. Clotrimazole (A) is an antifungal medication used to treat yeast infections, not effective against viral infections like herpes. Metronidazole (B) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, not effective against viruses. Podophyllin (C) is a topical treatment for genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), not effective for herpes. Therefore, the correct choice is Acyclovir (D) for treating genital herpes exacerbation.

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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sandostatin. This drug is a somatostatin analog that can help manage HIV-related chronic severe diarrhea by reducing gastrointestinal secretions. Sandostatin works by inhibiting the release of various hormones and neurotransmitters in the gut, which can help control diarrhea in HIV patients. Rationale: A: Zithromax is an antibiotic that is not typically used to manage chronic severe diarrhea in HIV patients. C: Levaquin is also an antibiotic and not indicated for managing diarrhea in HIV patients. D: Biaxin is another antibiotic and not the appropriate choice for managing chronic severe diarrhea in HIV patients. In summary, Sandostatin is the correct choice as it specifically targets the underlying cause of diarrhea in HIV patients by reducing gastrointestinal secretions, whereas the other options are antibiotics that are not indicated for this purpose.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sit or stand in front of the patient when speaking. This choice is correct because it allows the patient with otosclerosis to directly see the nurse's face and lip movements, aiding in lip-reading and understanding speech. Sitting or standing in front of the patient also ensures better eye contact and reduces background noise interference. Choice B is incorrect because exaggerated lip and mouth movements may distort speech and make it harder for the patient to understand. Choice C is incorrect because standing in front of a light or window can create glare and make it difficult for the patient to see the nurse's face clearly. Choice D is incorrect because saying the patient's name loudly before starting to talk does not directly address the communication needs of a patient with otosclerosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reduce environmental noise and distractions before communicating. This intervention is most likely to facilitate effective communication with a hearing-impaired patient because it creates an optimal environment for the patient to better focus on the communication. By reducing noise and distractions, the patient can more easily concentrate on the conversation and lip reading, if needed. This approach demonstrates sensitivity to the patient's needs and enhances the chances of successful communication. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Asking the patient to repeat what was said may cause frustration and does not address the environmental factors that can hinder communication. B: Standing directly in front of the patient to facilitate lip reading may help, but it does not address the impact of environmental noise and distractions on communication. D: Raising the voice to project sound at a higher frequency is not effective as it can distort speech and may not necessarily improve understanding for a hearing-impaired patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because injecting air into the stomach via the tube and auscultating helps confirm the tube placement in the stomach before administering the feeding. This step ensures the safety of the patient by preventing accidental lung feeding. Choice A is incorrect because securing the tube with a safety pin to the gown is not a standard practice and can lead to complications. Choice C is incorrect because the temperature of the feeding does not affect the tube placement or safety. Choice D is incorrect because checking the pH level is not a reliable method for verifying tube placement.