An HIV-positive patient is hospitalized for evaluation of symptoms of progressive weakness, dyspnea, weight loss, and low-grade fever. A biopsy of lung tissue reveals Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. This diagnosis means that the patient
cannot be treated.
has AIDS.
has less than 2 years to live.
was an intravenous drug user.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: The option that the patient "cannot be treated" is incorrect because Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-positive patients can be treated with medications such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). There are also preventive measures and treatments available for individuals with HIV/AIDS to manage PCP and improve their health outcomes. Thus, this option is not accurate for the scenario described.
Choice B reason: The diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in an HIV-positive patient strongly indicates that the patient has progressed to AIDS. AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is diagnosed when an individual with HIV develops certain opportunistic infections or their CD4 cell count drops below a critical level. PCP is one of the most common opportunistic infections seen in AIDS patients, signifying severe immune system compromise due to the advanced stage of HIV infection. This makes option B the correct answer.
Choice C reason: The option stating that the patient "has less than 2 years to live" is incorrect because it is not a definitive prognosis for patients with PCP or AIDS. With appropriate medical treatment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive individuals, even those diagnosed with AIDS, can live longer and healthier lives. Advances in medical care have significantly improved the life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this option is not accurate for this scenario.
Choice D reason: The option that the patient "was an intravenous drug user" is incorrect because PCP can affect any HIV-positive individual, regardless of their drug use history. While intravenous drug use is a known risk factor for HIV transmission, it is not directly related to the development of PCP. PCP is caused by a weakened immune system due to HIV progression, not the method of HIV transmission. Thus, this option does not appropriately address the diagnosis of PCP.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
HIV can be transmitted through blood products. This mode of transmission occurs when contaminated blood, used in transfusions or other medical procedures, carries the virus to another person. It is one of the primary ways HIV spreads, especially before strict blood screening protocols were implemented.
Choice B reason:
Perinatal transmission refers to the transmission of HIV from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This is a significant mode of transmission, particularly in regions with high HIV prevalence and limited access to antiretroviral therapy.
Choice C reason:
This choice is incorrect because HIV is not transmitted through airborne means. Unlike respiratory viruses, HIV requires direct contact with certain body fluids for transmission. Airborne transmission would imply that the virus could spread through the air, which is not the case with HIV.
Choice D reason:
Sexual transmission is a major route for HIV spread. The virus is present in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids. Unprotected sexual contact allows the virus to pass from one person to another, making this a crucial mode of HIV transmission.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B reason: Cirrhosis of the liver is the most likely cause of portal hypertension. Cirrhosis leads to scarring and fibrosis of the liver tissue, which obstructs blood flow through the liver and increases pressure in the portal vein, resulting in portal hypertension.
Choice A reason: Left ventricular failure is not a common cause of portal hypertension. It primarily affects the heart and can lead to pulmonary congestion and systemic edema, but not portal hypertension.
Choice C reason: Thrombosis in the spleen can contribute to portal hypertension, but it is not the most common cause. Cirrhosis of the liver is a more prevalent and significant cause of this condition.
Choice D reason: Renal stenosis affects the blood vessels supplying the kidneys and is not related to portal hypertension. It can lead to hypertension, but not specifically portal hypertension.
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