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 are the common manifestations of a thrombotic stroke?

A. Gradual loss of function on one side of the body
B. Sudden loss of consciousness
C. Severe headache and confusion
D. Seizures and convulsions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gradual loss of function on one side of the body. A thrombotic stroke is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms due to interrupted blood flow in the brain. This interruption results in manifestations such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because sudden loss of consciousness, severe headache, confusion, seizures, and convulsions are more commonly associated with conditions other than thrombotic strokes.

3. What does continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicate?

A. An air leak
B. Normal chest tube function
C. A blockage in the chest tube
D. A malfunction in the drainage system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicates an air leak. This bubbling occurs when air leaks from the patient's pleural space into the chest tube system. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent complications like a pneumothorax. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber is not indicative of normal chest tube function, a blockage in the chest tube, or a malfunction in the drainage system.

4. A patient diagnosed with hypokalemia is at risk for which condition?

A. Cardiac dysrhythmias
B. Muscle weakness
C. Seizures
D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients diagnosed with hypokalemia are at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias due to low potassium levels. Hypokalemia can lead to abnormalities in the electrical conduction system of the heart, potentially causing irregular heart rhythms. Muscle weakness (Choice B) is a symptom commonly associated with hypokalemia, but the question asks about conditions the patient is at risk for, not specific symptoms. Seizures (Choice C) are not typically associated with hypokalemia; they are more commonly linked with conditions such as epilepsy. Bradycardia (Choice D) refers to a slow heart rate, which is not a typical risk associated with hypokalemia; instead, tachycardia (fast heart rate) is more commonly observed in patients with low potassium levels.

5. What should a healthcare professional monitor in a patient receiving insulin who is at risk for hypoglycemia?

A. Monitor blood glucose levels
B. Monitor for respiratory distress
C. Monitor for muscle weakness
D. Monitor for hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial in patients receiving insulin who are at risk for hypoglycemia. Insulin can lower blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia, which can be harmful if not promptly recognized and managed. Checking blood glucose levels allows for early detection of low blood sugar levels, enabling timely interventions to prevent complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to monitoring for hypoglycemia in patients receiving insulin.