You are working in an AIDS hospice facility that is also staffed with LPNs and nursing assistants. Which of these nursing actions is best to delegate to an LPN you are supervising?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: LPNs are trained to collect data and monitor patients’ responses to medications which is within their scope of practice. Assessing nutritional needs and teaching about infection control are more complex tasks that typically require the expertise of an RN. Assisting with personal hygiene is usually delegated to nursing assistants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of diagnosing HIV, the confirmatory lab test is crucial for accurate results. The correct answer is A) Western blot. The Western blot test is used to confirm the presence of antibodies to HIV in a patient's blood, making it a reliable method for diagnosing HIV infection. This test is highly specific and is considered the gold standard for confirming HIV infection. Option B) Low WBC (White Blood Cell count) is not a confirmatory test for HIV. While HIV can lead to a decrease in WBC count, it is not a specific diagnostic test for the virus. Option C) Comprehensive metabolic panel is a series of blood tests used to evaluate organ function and electrolyte balance. While these tests may provide important information about a patient's overall health, they do not directly diagnose HIV. Option D) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is commonly used as an initial screening test for HIV. However, it is not confirmatory on its own, as false positives can occur. The Western blot test is typically used to confirm the results of an initial positive ELISA test. Educationally, understanding the specific diagnostic tests for HIV is crucial for healthcare professionals working in fields related to infectious diseases. It is essential to differentiate between screening tests and confirmatory tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate patient management. By knowing the strengths and limitations of each test, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms after abdominal surgery would be option B) Adhesion. Adhesions are fibrous bands that form between tissues and organs, often as a result of surgery. These adhesions can cause the structures to become stuck together, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting, and bloating. Option A) Infection is less likely in this case because the symptoms described are more indicative of a mechanical issue like adhesions rather than an infectious process. Option C) Contracture refers to the shortening or tightening of muscles, which is not typically associated with the symptoms described by the patient. Option D) Evisceration is the protrusion of organs through a surgical incision, which would present with more severe and immediate symptoms like visible organ protrusion and would require urgent medical attention. In an educational context, understanding post-operative complications like adhesions is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers to provide timely and appropriate care to patients. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of potential complications allows for early intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Stage IV. A Stage IV pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone, or supporting structures. In the case described, where the sore on the sacrum is deep enough to expose muscle, it indicates severe tissue damage characteristic of a Stage IV pressure ulcer. Option A) Stage I is incorrect because Stage I pressure ulcers involve non-blanchable redness of intact skin. Option B) Stage II is incorrect as it involves partial-thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and possibly the dermis. Option C) Stage III is incorrect as it involves full-thickness skin loss extending into the subcutaneous tissue but not muscle or bone. Educationally, understanding the stages of pressure ulcers is crucial for healthcare providers, especially nurses, to provide appropriate care and interventions to prevent and manage these wounds effectively. Recognizing the severity of a pressure ulcer helps in determining the necessary treatment and care plan to promote healing and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) a multifactorial genetic disorder. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is not solely caused by a single gene or chromosome disorder, as suggested in options A and B. It is also not an acquired genetic disorder as implied in option C. Instead, type 1 diabetes mellitus results from a complex interplay of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Multiple genes contribute to the risk of developing this condition, along with triggers such as viral infections or dietary factors. This explains why the patient's family history may not directly link to his condition. Understanding the multifactorial nature of type 1 diabetes mellitus is crucial in patient education and in highlighting the importance of lifestyle modifications and monitoring for individuals at risk. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.