A nurse is assessing a 28-year-old client with HIV who has been admitted with pneumonia. Which of the following observations should the nurse prioritize?
Tachypnea and restlessness
Weight loss of 1 pound since yesterday
Frequent loose stools
Oral temperature of 100°F
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale for Choice A:
Tachypnea and restlessness are common signs of respiratory distress, which is a potential complication of pneumonia. These signs indicate that the client's oxygenation may be compromised and require immediate attention.
Rationale for Choice B:
Weight loss of 1 pound since yesterday is a non-specific finding and could be due to a variety of factors, including poor appetite, dehydration, or muscle wasting. While weight loss can be a symptom of HIV infection, it is not an acute sign that requires immediate prioritization in this case.
Rationale for Choice C:
Frequent loose stools can be a symptom of HIV infection or a side effect of certain medications. However, it is not an acute sign that requires immediate prioritization in this case, especially in the context of the client's respiratory distress.
Rationale for Choice D:
An oral temperature of 100°F is a low-grade fever and is not a specific indicator of any serious condition. While fever can be a symptom of pneumonia, it is not the most concerning finding in this case.
Therefore, based on the client's presenting symptoms, tachypnea and restlessness are the most concerning findings and should be prioritized by the nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The length of time the mother has been caring for the baby is not directly relevant to the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding. While a longer duration of breastfeeding may increase overall exposure, the primary concern is whether breastfeeding is occurring at all, as it presents a significant transmission route.
Choice B rationale:
Kissing does not typically transmit HIV, as the virus does not survive well outside the body. While there is a very low theoretical risk of transmission if both individuals have open sores or bleeding gums, it's not a primary concern in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
The timing of the baby's last antibiotic treatment is not directly relevant to the risk of HIV transmission from breastfeeding. Antibiotics do not prevent or treat HIV infection, and their use would not impact the assessment of breastfeeding-related risks.
Choice D rationale:
Breastfeeding is a significant route of HIV transmission from mother to child. If the baby is breastfeeding, it's crucial for the nurse to determine the mother's viral load and CD4 count, assess the baby's HIV status, and provide appropriate counseling and interventions to reduce the risk of transmission. This information is essential for guiding decisions about infant feeding and potential prophylactic measures to protect the baby's health.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering the medication without first assessing the pain could lead to inappropriate medication administration and potentially mask underlying issues. It's crucial to gather more information about the pain before providing any medication.
Choice C rationale:
While repositioning might offer some relief in certain cases, it's not the first step in pain management. A thorough assessment to understand the nature, location, and severity of the pain is essential for determining the most appropriate intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Reviewing the effects of previous pain medication is important, but it doesn't take priority over assessing the current pain. Understanding the current pain experience is necessary to make informed decisions about medication administration and other interventions.
Choice B rationale:
Determining the location of the pain is the crucial first step in pain assessment. It helps to: Identify the potential source of the pain, which can guide treatment choices.
Understand the pain's characteristics, such as its quality, intensity, and duration.
Evaluate for any associated symptoms or patterns, which can provide further insights into the underlying cause. Assess for any aggravating or alleviating factors, which can help tailor treatment strategies.
Monitor the effectiveness of interventions by comparing changes in pain location and characteristics.
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