Lewis: Infection and HIV Infection Flashcards
A patient who has vague symptoms of fatigue, headaches, and a positive test for human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) antibodies using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test. What instructions should the nurse give to
this patient?
The EIA test will need to be repeated to verify the results.
After an initial positive EIA test, the EIA is repeated before more specific testing such as the Western blot is
done.
A patient who has a positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies is admitted to the
hospital with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and a CD4+ T-cell count of less than 200 cells/mL.
Based on diagnostic criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which
statement by the nurse is correct?
The patient has developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Development of PCP meets the diagnostic criterion for AIDS.
A patient with a positive rapid antibody test result for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is anxious and
does not appear to hear what the nurse is saying. What action by the nurse is most important at this time?
Remind the patient about the need to return for retesting to verify the results.
After an initial positive antibody test, the next step is retesting to confirm the results.
A patient who is diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) tells the nurse, I feel obsessed with thoughts about dying. Do you think I am just being morbid? Which response by the nurse is best?
Can you tell me more about the kind of thoughts that you are having?
More assessment of the patients psychosocial status is needed before taking any other action.
A pregnant woman with a history of asymptomatic chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is seen at the clinic. The patient states, I am very nervous about making my baby sick. Which information will the nurse include when teaching the patient?
Most infants born to HIV-positive mothers are not infected with the virus.
Only 25% of infants born to HIV-positive mothers develop HIV infection, even when the mother does not use ART during pregnancy
Which patient exposure by the nurse is most likely to require postexposure prophylaxis when the patients human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status is unknown?
Needle stick with a needle and syringe used to draw blood
Puncture wounds are the most common means for workplace transmission of blood-borne diseases, and a needle with a hollow bore that had been contaminated with the patients blood would be a high-risk situation
A young adult female patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive has a new prescription for efavirenz (Sustiva). Which information is most important to include in the medication teaching plan?
Continue to use contraception while on this medications
Efavirenz can cause fetal anomalies and should not be used in patients who may be pregnant. The drug should not be used during pregnancy because large doses could cause fetal anomalies. Once
A patient who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected has a CD4+ cell count of 400/L. Which
factor is most important for the nurse to determine before the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for this patient?
Patients ability to comply with ART schedule
Drug resistance develops quickly unless the patient takes ART medications on a strict, regular schedule. In addition, drug resistance endangers both the patient and the community.
The nurse will most likely prepare a medication teaching plan about antiretroviral therapy (ART) for which
patient?
Patient who tested positive for HIV 2 years ago and now has cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis
CMV retinitis is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illness and indicates that the patient is appropriate for ART even though the HIV infection period is relatively short.
The nurse palpates enlarged cervical lymph nodes on a patient diagnosed with acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to take?
Explain to the patient that this is an expected finding
Persistent generalized lymphadenopathy is common in the early stages of HIV infection. No antibiotic is needed because the enlarged nodes are probably not caused by bacteria.
Which information would be most important to help the nurse determine if the patient needs human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing?
Patient age
The current Center for Disease Control (CDC) policy is to offer routine testing for HIV to all individuals age
13 to 64.
A patient who uses injectable illegal drugs asks the nurse about preventing acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS). Which response by the nurse is best?
It is important to participate in a needle-exchange program
Participation in needle-exchange programs has been shown to decrease and control the rate of HIV infection.
Which nursing action will be most useful in assisting a college student to adhere to a newly prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen?
Check the patients class schedule to help decide when the drugs should be taken
The best approach to improve adherence is to learn about important activities in the patients life and adjust the ART around those activities.
A patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has developed Mycobacterium avium
complex infection. Which outcome would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
The patient will maintain intact perineal skin (Manage skin integrity)
The major manifestation of M. avium infection is loose, watery stools, which would increase the risk for perineal skin breakdown.
A patient treated for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection for 6 years has developed fat
redistribution to the trunk, with wasting of the arms, legs, and face. What instructions will the nurse give to the
patient?
Discuss a change in antiretroviral therapy.
A frequent first intervention for metabolic disorders is a change in antiretroviral therapy (ART).
