The nurse is monitoring the effectiveness or antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). What laboratory study results indicates the medications are effective?
Increased viral load
Decreased neutrophil count
Decreased white blood cell count
Increased CD4-T-cell count
The Correct Answer is D
A) "Increased viral load":
An increased viral load would indicate that the HIV virus is actively replicating in the body. This suggests that the antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not effective, as it has failed to suppress the viral replication. The goal of ART is to lower the viral load to undetectable levels, indicating that the virus is well controlled.
B) "Decreased neutrophil count":
. A decreased neutrophil count (neutropenia) is not directly related to the effectiveness of ART in managing HIV. Neutropenia can occur due to various causes, such as certain medications (including some ART medications), infections, or other underlying conditions. While neutropenia could be a side effect of ART, it does not directly reflect the effectiveness of HIV treatment. Monitoring CD4-T-cell counts and viral load is a better indicator of ART effectiveness.
C) "Decreased white blood cell count":
. A decreased white blood cell count (leukopenia) is also not an indicator of ART effectiveness. While some ART medications may lead to a decrease in white blood cell count, especially in the early stages of treatment, a decrease in the white blood cell count is not a measure of how well the therapy is controlling HIV. The effectiveness of ART is primarily assessed by the viral load and CD4-T-cell count.
D) "Increased CD4-T-cell count":
. CD4-T-cell count is a critical marker for monitoring the immune system's function in patients with HIV. CD4-T-cells are a type of T lymphocyte (white blood cell) that are targeted and destroyed by the HIV virus. A higher CD4-T-cell count indicates that the immune system is recovering and functioning better, which is a sign that the ART is effective in controlling the virus. Ideally, ART should result in a higher CD4-T-cell count and lower viral load, showing that the treatment is effectively suppressing the virus and preserving the immune system.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "HDL cholesterol 60 mg/dL":
This is not a risk factor. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL is considered protective against cardiovascular disease, as higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
B) "Total cholesterol 210 mg/dL":
This is not a significant risk factor on its own. While total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL is a general indicator for cardiovascular risk, it is not as important as the breakdown of individual lipid components (HDL, LDL). A total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL is only slightly above the ideal less than 200 mg/dL, and on its own, it is not a strong indicator of increased cardiovascular risk without considering other factors like LDL and HDL levels.
C) "LDL cholesterol 110 mg/dL":
. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as "bad cholesterol" because it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. An LDL level of 110 mg/dL is considered to be above optimal. For individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, the target LDL cholesterol level is usually less than 100 mg/dL, and for those with high risk, it may be less than 70 mg/dL. Therefore, this level of LDL cholesterol places the client at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
D) "Hgb A1C 5.3%":
This is not a risk factor. An Hgb A1C of 5.3% is within the normal range for glycemic control. The American Diabetes Association defines normal A1C as below 5.7%. A1C levels between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered pre-diabetes, and a level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. A normal A1C level indicates no significant elevated blood glucose, which would be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "The procedure can help determine whether your stroke was caused by a clot or by bleeding": This statement is incorrect. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain, not to assess stroke-related causes. To determine whether a stroke was caused by a clot or bleeding, imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI are typically used, not an EEG.
B) "The procedure can help identify which part of the brain seizure activity is coming from": This is the correct response. An EEG records electrical activity in the brain and is primarily used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. It can help pinpoint the area of the brain where abnormal electrical activity, such as that seen in seizures, is originating. This makes it an invaluable tool for understanding seizure disorders.
C) "The procedure helps evaluate nerve function to your extremities": This statement is inaccurate. An EEG does not assess nerve function to the extremities. Tests like nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) are used to evaluate peripheral nerve function, whereas an EEG specifically measures electrical activity in the brain.
D) "The procedure shows images of your heart’s electrical activity": This statement is incorrect. An EEG measures brain electrical activity, not the heart's. To assess the heart's electrical activity, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is used. Therefore, an EEG and an ECG serve very different purposes.
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