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
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The treatment for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) in a previous admission is not directly related to the development of CLABSI in the current situation. The infection is more likely caused by improper handling or maintenance of the central line.
B. Drawing blood cultures from the central line, while not ideal, is not the most likely cause of CLABSI. Proper technique can mitigate the risk of introducing infection during this procedure.
C. Changing the central line dressing using clean technique instead of sterile technique increases the risk of introducing pathogens to the central line site, leading to a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).
D. Receiving antibiotics and intravenous fluids through the same line does not typically cause CLABSI if the line is properly maintained and sterile techniques are observed during administration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Obtaining pulmonary function tests can help assess the extent of respiratory involvement but is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation like anaphylaxis.
B. Assessing blood pressure is important to monitor for signs of shock, but administering epinephrine takes precedence in treating anaphylaxis.
C. Administering epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Epinephrine rapidly reverses the symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as airway constriction and low blood pressure, making it the highest priority intervention.
D. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is important but should occur after the administration of epinephrine, which is critical in reversing the anaphylactic reaction.
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