The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a group of clients who were found to be HIV positive within the last year. Members of the group express an interest in learning about the pathology of AIDS.
The nurse should explain that HIV acts in which way to suppress the immune system?
Proliferation of suppressor T-cells.
Deficiency of cytotoxic T-cells.
Increase in B-lymphocytes and IgM.
Destruction of helper T-cells and CD4 cells.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Suppressor T-cells (also known as regulatory T-cells) play a role in regulating the immune response, but their proliferation is not the primary mechanism by which HIV suppresses the immune system. In fact, HIV can disrupt the function of suppressor T-cells, leading to an impaired ability to control immune responses.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. Cytotoxic T-cells (also known as CD8+ T-cells) are important for killing infected cells, but their deficiency is not the direct cause of immune suppression in HIV. However, HIV can indirectly lead to a deficiency of cytotoxic T-cells by disrupting their production and function.
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. B-lymphocytes produce antibodies, and IgM is an early antibody produced in response to infection. However, an increase in B-lymphocytes and IgM is not characteristic of HIV infection. In fact, HIV can impair B-cell function, leading to decreased antibody production.
Choice D rationale:
Correct. HIV primarily targets and destroys helper T-cells (also known as CD4+ T-cells). These cells play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response by activating other immune cells, such as cytotoxic T-cells and B-cells. The depletion of helper T-cells leads to a progressive weakening of the immune system, rendering the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.
Specific mechanisms of CD4+ T-cell destruction by HIV:
Direct infection and lysis: HIV can directly infect CD4+ T-cells and replicate within them, eventually leading to the death of the infected cells.
CD4+ T-cell apoptosis: HIV can induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in CD4+ T-cells through various mechanisms, including the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways and the disruption of anti-apoptotic signals.
Immune dysregulation: HIV infection can also dysregulate the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and immune activation. This can further contribute to CD4+ T-cell depletion and dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Step 1: Identify the desired dose and the available concentration. Desired dose: 500 mg of vancomycin
Available concentration: 500 mg per 100 ml
Step 2: Determine the volume needed to deliver the desired dose.
Since the available concentration is 500 mg per 100 ml, no further calculation is required. The volume needed to deliver 500 mg of vancomycin is already 100 ml.
Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/hr.
The medication needs to be administered over 1 hour.
Therefore, the infusion pump should be set to deliver the 100 ml of solution over 1 hour. Infusion rate = 100 ml / 1 hour = 100 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Drinking plenty of water whenever thirsty is not the most appropriate action for a patient with hypernatremia. While it's important to stay hydrated, excessive water intake can potentially worsen hypernatremia by diluting blood sodium levels further. This is because the body tries to balance sodium levels by either retaining water or excreting it through urine. In hypernatremia, the body is already short on water relative to sodium, so consuming too much water can exacerbate the imbalance.
Choice B rationale:
Reviewing food labels for sodium content is crucial for managing hypernatremia. It empowers patients to make informed choices and limit their sodium intake.
Sodium is a major contributor to hypernatremia, and reducing dietary sodium intake is a key strategy to lower blood sodium levels.
By carefully reading food labels and selecting low-sodium options, patients can effectively manage their sodium intake and promote a gradual return to normal sodium levels.
This approach addresses the root cause of hypernatremia and promotes long-term control of blood sodium levels.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring daily urine output volume can be helpful in tracking fluid status, but it's not the primary action for managing hypernatremia.
While urine output can provide insights into fluid balance, it doesn't directly address the underlying issue of excessive sodium. Focusing on dietary sodium intake is a more direct and effective approach to correcting hypernatremia.
Choice D rationale:
Using salt tablets after strenuous exercise is not recommended for patients with hypernatremia.
Salt tablets are intended to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, but they can worsen hypernatremia by further increasing sodium levels.
Patients with hypernatremia should focus on reducing sodium intake, not increasing it.
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