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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
- Encephalopathy is a common complication of severe alcohol withdrawal, characterized by altered mental status, confusion, and other neurological symptoms.
- Ammonia levels are often elevated in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and high ammonia levels can contribute to encephalopathy.
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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