Question 1

A patient diagnosed with AIDS complains of nausea, fever, severe diarrhea, and anorexia. Which of the following medications would be the most effective to relieve the anorexia, as well as to stimulate the patient's appetite?

Accepted Answer

Megestrol (Megace) is a medication frequently used to stimulate appetite in patients with AIDS-related anorexia. It is a synthetic steroid that acts as a potent progestational agent, which enhances appetite and weight gain. The medication has been shown to increase body weight, improve quality of life, and decrease symptom distress in patients with AIDS-associated cachexia. Ciprofloxacin and zidovudine are not effective against anorexia, whereas abacavir is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV infection, but it does not affect appetite or weight gain.

Question 2

The nurse is instructing a patient, diagnosed with AIDS, regarding foods to increase caloric intake. Which of the following meal plans would indicate that the patient has an understanding of the types of foods to ingest?

Accepted Answer

This meal plan includes a variety of food groups with high caloric content such as the spaghetti and meat sauce, whole grain roll with butter, vanilla milkshake, and pecan pie. The raisin salad adds fiber and some vitamins to the meal.

Question 3

A patient is demonstrating signs of anaphylactic shock. Which of the following should the nurse do first to assist this patient?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining an airway is the first priority in assisting a patient in anaphylactic shock. Without a patent airway, the patient's oxygenation and ventilation may become compromised, leading to further complications or even death. Administering subcutaneous epinephrine and placing the patient on a cardiac monitor may be necessary interventions, but they should not take priority over maintaining an open airway. Providing calm reassurance can also be helpful, but is not the first priority.

Question 4

Which of the following statements made by a patient diagnosed with HIV would indicate the need for additional teaching by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Using oil-based lubricants can actually increase the risk of HIV transmission as they can break down latex in condoms. The patient needs additional teaching on the use of water-based lubricants.

Question 5

A young HIV female patient tells the nurse she does not want to see the gynecologist because, "I'm going to die anyway." Which of the following should the nurse say in response to this patient?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should focus on providing education about the importance of a PAP smear in detecting cervical cancer. The patient's statement suggests a lack of understanding about the benefits of preventative healthcare measures. Asking "why do you think you are going to die?" may be perceived as insensitive and dismissive of the patient's feelings. Mentioning Hodgkin's disease is not relevant to this conversation. While birth control is important, it is not the main focus of the patient's concern.

Question 6

In a Type I hypersensitivity reaction, an antigen-antibody or antigen-lymphocyte interaction is triggered when an allergen interacts with IgE. What chemical mediators cause this patient's symptoms?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a Type I hypersensitivity reaction, an...

Question 7

A patient receiving cyclosporine after an organ transplant is experiencing an acute onset of hypertension and headaches. Which of the following do these assessment findings suggest to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Acute onset of hypertension and headaches are possible signs of cyclosporine toxicity. It is important for the nurse to report and monitor these symptoms closely to prevent further complications.

Question 8

A patient, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, is not responding to NSAID therapy. Which of the following would most likely be prescribed for this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient, diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, is...

Question 9

The nurse is preparing to instruct a class of young adults about ways to achieve safe sex. What should be included in the nurse's presentation?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Explanation: B) Testing for HIV when entering a new relationship and repeating the test ensures both partners are aware of their status. C) Avoiding sexual activity until both partners test negative twice reduces the risk of HIV transmission. D) Water-based lubricants are recommended with condoms to prevent breakage.

Question 10

Before a bone marrow transplant, a patient is prescribed ganciclovir (Cytovene). Which of the following should be included in the instructions to the patient about this medication?

Accepted Answer

Ganciclovir (Cytovene) is a medication used to prevent the development of cytomegaloviral pneumonia in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. It does not prevent other types of pneumonias, bacterial infections, or affect cardiac output.

Question 11

A patient is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant. The nurse realizes that which of the following medications will most likely be prescribed for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is commonly prescribed to patients undergoing bone marrow transplants to prevent viral infections, particularly herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, which these patients are at increased risk for due to their compromised immune systems.

Question 12

An adolescent patient asks the nurse about sexual practices and the onset of HIV. Which of the following should the nurse instruct this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An adolescent patient asks the nurse about...

Question 13

An HIV positive patient comes into the clinic complaining of increasing pain in his feet and legs. The nurse realizes that this patient is demonstrating which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The increasing pain in the feet and legs is a manifestation of HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy, which is a nervous system manifestation of the disease. It is not likely a reaction to medication, an opportunistic infection, or a secondary cancer.

Question 14

Which patient physiologic assessment findings are consistent with those of an adult patient 12 weeks post exposure to HIV? 11ea992e_0a77_7e8b_9f38_9b0bbdd28352

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which patient physiologic assessment findings are consistent...

Question 15

A patient with an autoimmune disorder tells the nurse, "My family keeps telling me that I don't look sick." The nurse should utilize which of the following nursing diagnoses to help this patient?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient with an autoimmune disorder tells...

Question 16

A patient is prescribed a monoclonal antibody after an allograft on his left thigh. Which of the following should be done for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Premedication with hydrocortisone is recommended before the administration of monoclonal antibodies to prevent infusion reactions, which can occur even after the first dose. Choices A, B, and D are not necessary or relevant for this medication.

Question 17

A patient diagnosed with HIV has an HIV viral load test of 9000 copies/mL. Which of the following does this test's result suggest to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

A viral load of 9000 copies/mL suggests that the current HIV medication therapy is not effectively suppressing the virus, indicating a need for reevaluation of the treatment plan.

Question 18

A patient is experiencing symptoms of exposure to environmental ragweed. The nurse should instruct the patient on the use of which of the following medications?

Accepted Answer

Antihistamines are used to treat symptoms of allergies such as those caused by exposure to ragweed. Antibiotics, antiviral medications, and antifungal medications would not be effective in treating these symptoms.

Question 19

A patient tells the nurse, "I had this arthritis pain under control but then I learned I might lose my job." With which of the following should the nurse say in response to this patient?

Accepted Answer

Stress can be a trigger for an exacerbation of many chronic conditions, including arthritis. In this situation, it is important for the nurse to acknowledge the patient's concerns and educate them about the potential impact of stress on their health. It is also appropriate to offer support and resources for coping with job-related stress. Choices A, B, and D do not address the patient's concerns in a helpful or therapeutic manner.

Question 20

An HIV positive patient is not adhering to the prescribed medication therapy. Which of the following actions by the nurse will best improve patient compliance and long-term treatment of the disease process?

Accepted Answer

Confronting the patient about noncompliance may lead to feelings of shame and defensiveness, and may further decrease the likelihood of adherence. Suggesting a specific time for medication administration may help improve adherence, but talking with the patient about why they are struggling to adhere to the medication schedule is likely to be the most effective approach. This allows the nurse to assess any barriers to adherence, such as forgetfulness or side effects, and work collaboratively with the patient to find solutions. Referring the patient to a social worker for lower-cost medications may be helpful if cost is an issue, but it does not address the underlying reasons for noncompliance.

Quiz 13: Nursing Care of Patients with Altered Immunity