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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pitting edema of the hands and fingers is not a typical finding in SLE. It can occur in some cases, but it is more commonly associated with other conditions such as kidney disease or heart failure.
Choice B rationale:
Grey colored, non-purpuric papular rash is not a characteristic of SLE. This type of rash is more commonly seen in conditions such as lichen planus or sarcoidosis.
Choice C rationale:
A dry, red rash across the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks, also known as a malar rash, is a classic sign of SLE. It is often described as a "butterfly rash" because of its shape. The rash is caused by inflammation of the small blood vessels in the skin. It is typically worsened by sun exposure.
Choice D rationale:
Subcutaneous nodules on the ulnar side of the arm are a characteristic finding in rheumatoid arthritis, not SLE.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Exercise.
Choice A: Exercise Exercise is generally beneficial for overall health and is not typically a factor that exacerbates systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In fact, regular physical activity can be an important part of the overall treatment plan for individuals with SLE. It can boost energy levels, improve joint flexibility, and help alleviate stress. Therefore, if a patient with SLE identifies exercise as a factor that can exacerbate their condition, it indicates a need for further teaching.
Choice B: Diet Certain diets can potentially trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. For instance, a chemical found in alfalfa may trigger lupus symptoms, so patients may want to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts or taking supplements with alfalfa. Therefore, diet is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
Choice C: Sunlight Exposure to sunlight can trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. For those with lupus, being in the sun can lead to symptoms like skin rashes, itching, burning, joint pain, weakness, and fatigue. In certain cases, it can also result in damage to internal organs. Therefore, sunlight is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
Choice D: Infection Infections can trigger or worsen SLE symptoms. Rates of infections are higher among persons with SLE compared with the general population. Therefore, infection is a correct factor that can exacerbate SLE.
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