A group of nurses are discussing risk factors for the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from clients. Which of the following individuals should the nurse identify as being at the greatest risk for contracting HIV?
A personal trainer who works with a client who has HIV.
An occupational therapist who works with a client who has HIV.
A phlebotomist who collects blood from clients who have HIV.
A nurse who works for an insurance company and collects urine samples from clients who have HIV.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
A personal trainer working with a client who has HIV is at low risk for contracting the virus. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, sweat, or saliva. The risk would increase only if there were exposure to blood or other body fluids through an open wound or mucous membrane.
Choice B reason:
An occupational therapist working with a client who has HIV also has a low risk of contracting the virus. Similar to a personal trainer, unless there is direct exposure to blood or body fluids, the transmission risk is minimal.
Choice C reason:
A phlebotomist who collects blood from clients who have HIV is at the greatest risk among the listed individuals. Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who are frequently exposed to blood, which is a bodily fluid that can transmit HIV if proper precautions are not taken.
Choice D reason:
A nurse who collects urine samples is at a lower risk compared to a phlebotomist. HIV is not typically transmitted through urine unless it contains blood. However, the risk is still present if there is exposure to blood-contaminated urine through cuts or mucous membranes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Decreased hemoglobin (Hgb) levels can be indicative of anemia or blood loss, but they are not typically associated with fluid volume deficit. In cases of fluid volume deficit, the Hgb concentration may actually appear elevated due to hemoconcentration as the plasma volume decreases.
Choice B reason:
Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels are expected in a fluid volume deficit because as the blood volume decreases, the concentration of solutes like urea can increase. This is often due to decreased renal perfusion and subsequent reduced renal function, leading to less urea being excreted through the kidneys.
Choice C reason:
Increased urine ketones are typically associated with diabetic ketoacidosis or starvation, not directly with fluid volume deficit. Ketones are produced when the body breaks down fats for energy, which is not a process directly related to fluid volume status.
Choice D reason:
Decreased urine specific gravity would not be expected in fluid volume deficit; in fact, one would expect the opposite. Specific gravity measures the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. In fluid volume deficit, the urine specific gravity would likely be increased as the body attempts to conserve water.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While the white blood cell (WBC) count is important in assessing the immune system's ability to fight infection, a WBC of 5,000/mm³ is within the normal range (4,500 to 11,000 WBCs/mm³). Therefore, it is not the most critical value for a nurse to prioritize in the care of an HIV patient.
Choice B reason:
A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is also within the normal range (150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mm³). Although thrombocytopenia can occur in HIV, this value does not indicate an immediate concern for the nurse to prioritize.
Choice C reason:
A positive Western blot test confirms the presence of HIV antibodies, which is indicative of HIV infection. However, this is a diagnostic result rather than a laboratory value that reflects the current status of the patient's immune function or disease progression.
Choice D reason:
The CD4-T-cell count is a critical laboratory value for assessing the immune function of a patient with HIV. A count of 180 cells/mm³ is below the normal range of 500 to 1,200 cells/mm³ and indicates a significantly weakened immune system, placing the patient at risk for opportunistic infections. This value is a priority as it guides treatment decisions and the need for prophylaxis against opportunistic infections.
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