A nurse is caring for a client who has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Which of the following laboratory values would be most concerning to the nurse?
Positive Western blot test
CD4-T-cell count 505 cells/mm³ (nl. 500-1500 cells/mm³)
Platelets 115,000/mm³ (nl. 140,000-400,000/mm³)
White blood cell (WBC) count 800/mm³ (nl. 5000-10,000/mm³)
The Correct Answer is D
A. A positive Western blot test confirms the diagnosis of HIV, but it is not concerning once the diagnosis has been established.
B. A CD4-T-cell count of 505 cells/mm³ is low but not critically low. While it does indicate immunosuppression, it is not the most concerning value presented.
C. A platelet count of 115,000/mm³ is lower than normal and may indicate a risk for bleeding, but it is not as concerning as a critically low white blood cell count.
D. A WBC count of 800/mm³ is severely low and indicates a high risk for infection, which is particularly concerning in a client with HIV, as it suggests significant immunosuppression and vulnerability to opportunistic infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Checking the IV site for bleeding is important but should be done more frequently in a client with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), as bleeding can occur unexpectedly.
B. Administering stool softeners is a key intervention for clients with thrombocytopenia, as it helps to prevent straining during bowel movements, which could cause rectal bleeding due to fragile blood vessels.
C. Checking for proteinuria is not directly related to thrombocytopenia or the risk of bleeding. It is more commonly associated with kidney function monitoring.
D. Obtaining body temperature readings is important for infection monitoring, but it does not directly address the risk associated with a low platelet count, which primarily concerns bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Thiamine deficiency is often associated with neurological symptoms, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, rather than spontaneous bleeding or bruising. Thiamine does not directly impact the coagulation process.
B. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, which includes symptoms such as bleeding gums and poor wound healing. However, it is not typically associated with the spontaneous bleeding and bruising seen in chronic liver failure.
C. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors produced by the liver. In chronic liver failure, the liver's ability to produce these factors is impaired, leading to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising due to vitamin K deficiency.
D. Folic acid deficiency is more commonly linked to anemia and certain neurological issues, but it does not cause spontaneous bleeding or bruising. It does not directly affect coagulation factors as vitamin K does.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
