what lab value is a priority in monitoring a patient with hiv

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Quizlet

1. What lab value is a priority in monitoring a patient with HIV?

A. CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm3
B. Hemoglobin levels
C. Serum albumin levels
D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm3. Monitoring the CD4 T-cell count is crucial in patients with HIV as it reflects the status of the immune system. A CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm3 indicates severe immunocompromise and an increased risk of opportunistic infections. This value guides the initiation of prophylaxis for infections and the timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority lab values in monitoring patients with HIV. Hemoglobin levels primarily assess for anemia, serum albumin levels reflect nutritional status, and white blood cell count is more generalized and may not specifically indicate the severity of immunocompromise in HIV patients.

2. What adverse effect might occur in a patient receiving radiation after a mastectomy?

A. Seizures
B. JVD and fatigue
C. SOB and JVD
D. S3 heart sound

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct adverse effect that might occur in a patient receiving radiation after a mastectomy is the development of an S3 heart sound. This can result from decreased pumping ability following mastectomy and radiation treatment. Choice A, seizures, is incorrect as seizures are not a common adverse effect of radiation after a mastectomy. Choice B, JVD and fatigue, is incorrect as while fatigue can be a common side effect, JVD (Jugular Venous Distention) is not typically associated with radiation after a mastectomy. Choice C, SOB (Shortness of Breath) and JVD, is incorrect as while shortness of breath can occur, JVD is not a typical adverse effect of radiation post-mastectomy.

3. What are the expected changes on an ECG for a patient with hypokalemia?

A. Flattened T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST elevation
D. Wide QRS complexes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are an early sign of hypokalemia on an ECG. Hypokalemia primarily manifests as flattened T waves on an ECG. While prominent U waves can be seen in hypokalemia, they are not as specific as flattened T waves. ST elevation is more commonly associated with conditions like myocardial infarction rather than hypokalemia. Wide QRS complexes are typically not a feature of hypokalemia on an ECG.

4. A client is to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client following the procedure?

A. Lie on your left side.
B. Lie on your right side.
C. Increase your fluid intake.
D. Decrease your fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a liver biopsy, the nurse should instruct the client to lie on the right side. This position helps apply pressure to the biopsy site, promoting hemostasis and reducing the risk of bleeding. Lying on the left side may not provide adequate pressure to the site. Increasing fluid intake is generally beneficial to prevent dehydration and aid in the recovery process, whereas decreasing fluid intake could lead to dehydration and possible complications. Therefore, the correct instruction is to lie on the right side.

5. A nurse is planning care for a patient diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. What should be included in the care plan?

A. Monitor serum albumin levels
B. Restrict protein intake to 0.55-0.60 g/kg/day
C. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake
D. Teach the patient to avoid alcohol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor serum albumin levels. In patients with diabetes insipidus, monitoring serum albumin levels is essential to assess for dehydration and nutritional deficits. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to managing diabetes insipidus. Restricting protein intake, encouraging fluid intake, and teaching the patient to avoid alcohol are interventions that may be relevant for other medical conditions but are not specific to addressing the needs of a patient with diabetes insipidus.