A nurse is completing a focused assessment addressing a client's immune function. What should the nurse prioritize in the physical assessment?
Palpation of the patient's lymph nodes
Auscultation of the patient's apical heart rate
Palpation of the patient's liver
Percussion of the patient's abdomen
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a crucial role in the immune system. They filter lymph fluid, which carries white blood cells and other immune cells throughout the body.
When the body is fighting an infection or other immune challenge, lymph nodes often swell and become tender. This is because they are actively working to filter out pathogens and activate immune cells.
Palpation of the lymph nodes can provide valuable information about the patient's immune function. The nurse can assess for enlargement, tenderness, and mobility of the lymph nodes.
Lymph node assessment is a non-invasive, painless procedure that can be performed quickly and easily.
Choice B rationale:
Auscultation of the apical heart rate is important for assessing cardiovascular function, but it does not directly assess immune function.
While heart rate can be indirectly affected by certain immune conditions (e.g., fever), it is not a primary indicator of immune system activity.
Choice C rationale:
Palpation of the liver can provide information about liver size and consistency, but it does not directly assess immune function.
The liver plays a role in immune function by producing proteins that help fight infection, but its size and consistency do not necessarily reflect its immune activity.
Choice D rationale:
Percussion of the abdomen can be used to assess the size and location of abdominal organs, but it does not directly assess immune function.
While certain immune conditions may involve abdominal organs (e.g., splenomegaly), percussion is not a primary method for assessing immune function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) is an early stage of HIV infection that often presents with flu-like symptoms. It does not determine AIDS diagnosis.
Choice B rationale:
A CD4+ T lymphocyte level of less than 200 cells/mm is a defining criterion for AIDS diagnosis. This low count indicates a severely weakened immune system, leading to susceptibility to opportunistic infections and other AIDS-defining illnesses.
Choice C rationale:
A person with HIV can transmit the virus to others regardless of their CD4+ T cell count. Transmission risk is not a diagnostic criterion for AIDS.
Choice D rationale:
HIV-specific antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection but their presence does not signify AIDS progression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A is incorrect. While keeping the bed in a high position can minimize fall risk, it is not a specific precaution for preventing seizures. In fact, some types of seizures can be triggered by sudden changes in position.
Choice C is incorrect. Bright lights can worsen seizure activity and should be avoided, especially during the night when the client is more likely to be photosensitive.
Choice D is incorrect. Locking the bed in the lowest position can increase fall risk and is not a specific precaution for preventing seizures.
Rationale for Choice B:
Having seizure medication readily available at the bedside allows for immediate administration in case of a seizure, which can minimize its duration and severity. This is a crucial intervention for seizure precaution.
Keeping the medication within easy reach also ensures prompt administration by healthcare personnel or caregivers, further improving the client's safety and outcome.
Additionally, easy access to the medication empowers the client or caregiver to participate actively in their own care and respond quickly to a potential seizure.
Therefore, based on the importance of immediate access to seizure medication in managing and preventing seizures, Choice B is the most appropriate intervention to include in the client's plan of care.
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