The nurse is providing care for a client who has tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Which of the following findings would confirm the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in this client?
CD4 count of less than 200 cells/uL, (ranges 500-1800) and new diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia
CD4 count of 1200 cells/uL (ranges 500-1800) and a new diagnosis hepatitis A
low grade fever with the diagnosis of influenza A
New atopic dermatitis and a White Blood count 11 million/mm3
The Correct Answer is A
A) CD4 count of less than 200 cells/uL, and new diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia:
A CD4 count of less than 200 cells/uL and the diagnosis of a severe opportunistic infection, such as pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), are major criteria for the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely compromised, and the individual is highly susceptible to opportunistic infections like PCP, tuberculosis, and others. The CD4 count, which measures the number of immune system cells (specifically T-helper cells), is used to monitor disease progression, with values below 200 cells/uL indicating a diagnosis of AIDS.
B) CD4 count of 1200 cells/uL and a new diagnosis of hepatitis A:
While hepatitis A is an important condition that should be managed, it is not an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. A CD4 count of 1200 cells/uL is within the normal range (500-1800 cells/uL), indicating that the immune system is not severely compromised.
C) Low grade fever with the diagnosis of influenza A:
A low-grade fever and a diagnosis of influenza A do not indicate AIDS. Influenza is a viral infection that can affect both individuals with and without HIV. It is common to experience flu-like symptoms in the early stages of HIV infection, but the presence of a fever and influenza does not confirm AIDS. A low-grade fever is also not specific to AIDS or opportunistic infections.
D) New atopic dermatitis and a white blood count of 11 million/mm³:
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is not specifically associated with HIV or AIDS. The white blood cell (WBC) count of 11 million/mm³ is elevated, but this alone does not confirm a diagnosis of AIDS. Elevated WBC counts can occur with various conditions, including infections and allergic reactions, but they are not a diagnostic feature of AIDS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Use the 3-second markers to count the number of QRS complexes in 6 seconds and multiply by 10:
The 3-second markers on the ECG strip represent a fixed time interval. By counting the number of QRS complexes in the 6-second interval (i.e., two 3-second markers), you can estimate the heart rate by multiplying the number of QRS complexes by 10. This method is quick and effective for calculating heart rate in an emergency setting, such as in arrhythmias or when time is of the essence.
B) Print a 1-minute ECG strip and count the number of QRS complexes:
While this is another way to assess the heart rate, it is not a quick method, especially in emergency situations. It is more time-consuming because it involves printing out a full strip (or ensuring you have enough data to calculate a full minute). This approach may be useful for detailed analysis but is not optimal for quickly estimating the ventricular rhythm.
C) Calculate the number of small squares between one QRS complex and the next one and divide by 1500:
This method is more complex and is used for calculating the heart rate with a more precise ECG reading. It requires counting the number of small squares between two QRS complexes and dividing by 1500 (the number of small squares in one minute). This method is accurate but not the fastest option for quickly estimating the heart rate during an emergency.
D) Count the number of large squares in the R-R interval and divide by 300:
counting the number of large squares between two R-R intervals and dividing by 300, you get the heart rate. However, this method is less commonly used in emergency situations because it requires more time and may not be as immediate as using the 3-second markers. It is more applicable when doing a detailed analysis of the rhythm.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Prolonged prothrombin time (PT):
A prolonged PT is a sign of impaired coagulation, which is common in DIC as the clotting factors are consumed. In DIC, both clotting and bleeding occur, leading to prolonged PT. Therefore, a prolonged PT does not reflect a positive outcome. A positive outcome would show normalization or improvement of the clotting profile.
B) Elevated fibrinogen level:
Fibrinogen is often decreased in DIC because it is consumed in the process of forming clots. An elevated fibrinogen level would not indicate a positive outcome in DIC. Instead, fibrinogen levels typically fall in DIC due to widespread clotting activity. A positive outcome would involve a normalization or increase in fibrinogen levels as the condition improves.
C) Decreased platelet count:
Platelet count typically decreases in DIC because platelets are used up in the formation of clots, leading to thrombocytopenia. A decreased platelet count reflects ongoing consumption of platelets and would not be a positive indicator of improvement. In a positive outcome, the platelet count would increase toward normal levels.
D) Decreased D-dimer level:
D-dimer is a product of fibrin degradation and is elevated in conditions like DIC, where abnormal clotting and fibrinolysis are occurring. A decreased D-dimer level indicates that the coagulation process is resolving, and fibrin degradation is returning to normal, reflecting a positive outcome. Monitoring the D-dimer level is a key indicator of improvement in DIC.
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