A client, who has tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), now presents with a CD4+ count of less than 200 cells/mm and pneumocystic pneumonia.
A normal range for a CD4+ count is 500-1500 cells/mm.
How would the nurse evaluate these findings? The client:
Is in the latent period of the disease.
Continues to remain in HIV positive status.
Has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Has seroconverted.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The latent period of HIV includes asymptomatic phases when the CD4+ count remains above 200 cells/mm. Pneumocystic pneumonia and low CD4+ counts signify progression beyond latent HIV.
Choice B rationale
HIV-positive status reflects infection presence, but it does not confirm AIDS unless CD4+ count drops below 200 cells/mm and opportunistic infections occur, such as pneumocystic pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
AIDS is diagnosed when CD4+ count decreases below 200 cells/mm, coupled with opportunistic infections. Pneumocystic pneumonia indicates a weakened immune system due to advanced disease.
Choice D rationale
Seroconversion marks the initial immune response to HIV infection with detectable antibodies but occurs before CD4+ counts decline significantly and opportunistic infections appear.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["56"]
Explanation
Step 1 is (250 mL ÷ 90 min) × 20 gtt/mL.
Step 2 is (2.777 mL/min × 20 gtt/mL).
Step 3 is 55.55 gtts/min. The final calculated answer is 56 gtts/min.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Restlessness and altered mental status are early signs of increasing intracranial pressure, resulting from cerebral edema compressing neural tissue and reducing oxygen supply to critical brain regions.
Choice B rationale
Widening pulse pressure is a later sign of increased intracranial pressure, indicating significant disruption of autonomic regulation and brainstem function. Early symptoms like restlessness occur first.
Choice C rationale
Fixed and dilated pupils signify severe and advanced intracranial pressure, often indicating brain herniation, which is a critical stage beyond initial compensatory mechanisms.
Choice D rationale
Tachycardia and hypotension are not hallmark signs of raised intracranial pressure. Bradycardia and hypertension align more closely with Cushing's triad, associated with late-stage intracranial hypertension. .
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