what lab value should the nurse prioritize in a patient with hiv

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 1 Quizlet

1. What lab value should be prioritized in a patient with HIV?

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

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 indicates the level of immunocompromise. A count below 180 cells/mm3 signifies severe immunocompromise and an increased risk of opportunistic infections. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority lab values in HIV management. While white blood cell count, serum albumin levels, and hemoglobin levels are important, they do not directly reflect the immune status and progression of HIV as the CD4 T-cell count does.

2. What should be taught to a patient following cataract surgery?

A. Avoid NSAIDs
B. Wear dark glasses when outdoors
C. Report green or yellow drainage immediately
D. Itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid NSAIDs after cataract surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Choice B, wearing dark glasses when outdoors, is generally recommended after cataract surgery to protect the eyes from bright sunlight, but it is not the most critical instruction. Choice C, reporting green or yellow drainage immediately, is important to monitor for signs of infection, but it is not specific to cataract surgery. Choice D, itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea, is not the most crucial advice post-cataract surgery. Therefore, the key instruction is to avoid NSAIDs to minimize bleeding risk.

3. A patient who experienced an acute episode of gastritis should avoid which type of foods?

A. Avoid foods high in potassium
B. Avoid foods high in sodium
C. Increase exercise
D. Drink milk as a snack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients who have experienced an acute episode of gastritis should avoid foods high in potassium. Potassium-rich foods can irritate the gastric lining, exacerbating gastritis symptoms. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in sodium is beneficial for other health conditions like hypertension, increasing exercise is generally good for overall health but not specifically for gastritis management, and drinking milk may provide temporary relief for some but is not a definitive recommendation for gastritis management.

4. What ECG changes are seen in hypokalemia?

A. Flattened T waves on the ECG
B. Elevated ST segments on the ECG
C. Widened QRS complex
D. Prominent U waves on the ECG

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Flattened T waves on the ECG. Flattened T waves are an early indicator of hypokalemia on an ECG. Choice B, Elevated ST segments, is not typically seen in hypokalemia but can be a sign of myocardial infarction. Choice C, Widened QRS complex, is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia. Choice D, Prominent U waves, is typically associated with hypokalemia, but flattened T waves are considered a more specific and early sign.

5. What recommendations should the nurse provide to a patient diagnosed with GERD?

A. Avoid items like mint that increase gastric acid secretion
B. Eat small, frequent meals
C. Avoid eating 1 hour before bedtime
D. Avoid black and red pepper

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid items like mint that increase gastric acid secretion.' Mint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased gastric acid secretion and worsening GERD symptoms. Choice B is a good recommendation for GERD management as it helps prevent excessive stomach distension. Choice C is also a recommended practice to avoid reflux during sleep. Choice D, avoiding black and red pepper, is not directly linked to exacerbating GERD symptoms, so it is not the most relevant recommendation for a patient diagnosed with GERD.