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 should a healthcare professional do if a patient experiences abdominal cramping during enema administration?

A. Lower the height of the enema solution container
B. Stop the procedure and remove the tubing
C. Continue the enema at a slower rate
D. Increase the flow of the enema solution

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient experiences abdominal cramping during enema administration, the healthcare professional should lower the height of the enema solution container. This action helps relieve the cramping by slowing down the flow of the enema solution, making it more comfortable for the patient. Stopping the procedure and removing the tubing (Choice B) may be necessary in some cases, but it should not be the first step when cramping occurs. Continuing the enema at a slower rate (Choice C) may exacerbate the cramping, so it is not the best course of action. Increasing the flow of the enema solution (Choice D) will likely worsen the cramping and should be avoided.

3. What teaching should be provided to a patient after cataract surgery?

A. Avoid NSAIDs
B. Avoid bright lights
C. Wear dark glasses while outdoors
D. Use warm compresses

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct teaching to provide to a patient after cataract surgery is to avoid NSAIDs. NSAIDs should be avoided to reduce the risk of bleeding post-surgery. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to post-cataract surgery care. Avoiding bright lights and wearing dark glasses while outdoors may be beneficial for eye comfort but are not specific postoperative instructions. Using warm compresses is also not a standard teaching after cataract surgery.

4. What is the first nursing action for a patient with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome?

A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Increase fluids to prevent dehydration
C. Obtain cardiac enzymes
D. Get IV access and auscultate heart sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering sublingual nitroglycerin is the priority nursing action for a patient with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome. Nitroglycerin helps dilate the blood vessels, improve blood flow to the heart, and reduce cardiac workload. This action aims to relieve chest pain promptly and prevent further cardiac tissue damage. Increasing fluids is not the initial priority for a patient with chest pain and possible acute coronary syndrome. Obtaining cardiac enzymes is important for diagnosis but is not the first action in managing acute symptoms. Getting IV access and auscultating heart sounds are important interventions, but they come after administering sublingual nitroglycerin in the management of acute coronary syndrome.

5. What is the first medication to administer for a patient experiencing wheezing due to an allergic reaction?

A. Albuterol 3 ml via nebulizer
B. Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer
C. Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV
D. Aminophylline 500 mg IV

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Albuterol 3 ml via nebulizer. Albuterol is the first-line medication for wheezing due to its rapid bronchodilatory effects. Choice B, Cromolyn, is used more for preventing allergic reactions rather than acute relief of wheezing. Choice C, Methylprednisolone, is a steroid used for its anti-inflammatory effects and is not the initial choice for acute relief of wheezing. Choice D, Aminophylline, is a bronchodilator but is not the first-line treatment for wheezing due to allergic reactions.