A nurse is assessing a patient admitted with diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The nurse finds that the patient is experiencing a progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral and motor functions. The nurse identifies these symptoms are most likely related to the onset of which complication?
Human Immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy
Beta-cell lymphoma
Kaposi sarcoma
Wasting syndrome
The Correct Answer is A
A. Human Immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encephalopathy, also known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), is a common neurological complication of HIV/AIDS. It occurs due to the direct effects of HIV on the central nervous system (CNS), leading to cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and motor dysfunction. The progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions described in the patient is characteristic of HIV encephalopathy. Therefore, this choice is the most likely explanation for the patient's symptoms.
B. Beta-cell lymphoma:
Beta-cell lymphoma, also known as primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), is a rare but serious complication of HIV/AIDS. It involves the development of malignant lymphomas within the CNS. While PCNSL can cause neurological symptoms, such as cognitive decline and motor dysfunction, it typically presents with focal neurological deficits and signs of increased intracranial pressure, which are not mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, beta-cell lymphoma is less likely to be the cause of the patient's symptoms compared to HIV encephalopathy.
C. Kaposi sarcoma:
Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection, which commonly affects individuals with HIV/AIDS. While Kaposi sarcoma can involve the CNS and potentially lead to neurological symptoms, such as headaches and focal neurological deficits, the progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions described in the scenario is not typically associated with Kaposi sarcoma. Therefore, this choice is less likely to explain the patient's symptoms compared to HIV encephalopathy.
D. Wasting syndrome:
Wasting syndrome, also known as cachexia, is a syndrome characterized by unintentional weight loss, weakness, and muscle atrophy. While wasting syndrome is a common complication of advanced HIV/AIDS, it primarily affects body composition and nutritional status rather than causing progressive decline in cognitive, behavioral, and motor functions. Therefore, wasting syndrome is less likely to be the cause of the patient's symptoms compared to HIV encephalopathy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Avoid alcohol for the first 3 weeks: Avoiding alcohol may be advisable for patients with hepatitis A to prevent additional strain on the liver. However, it is not specifically related to preventing transmission of the infection to others. Therefore, it is not a transmission measure typically included in discharge instructions for the patient's family.
B. Avoid handling patient's leftover foods: Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water. By avoiding handling the patient's leftover foods, the risk of transmitting the virus to family members through contaminated food is minimized. This measure helps prevent the spread of infection within the household.
C. Have family members get an injection of immunoglobulin: Immunoglobulin may be administered to individuals who have been exposed to hepatitis A to provide passive immunity and reduce the severity of the illness. However, this measure is typically recommended for individuals who have not been previously vaccinated against hepatitis A and have been in close contact with an infected person, rather than as a general preventive measure for all family members.
D. Follow a low-protein, low carbohydrate diet: While maintaining a healthy diet is important for overall health, there is no specific dietary recommendation related to protein or carbohydrate intake for patients with hepatitis A. Therefore, this measure is not directly related to preventing transmission of the infection to others and would not typically be included in discharge instructions for the patient's family.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Injection of drugs:
Hepatitis E is not primarily spread through the injection of drugs. While injection drug use can increase the risk of hepatitis B and C transmission, hepatitis E is typically spread through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated water or food.
B. Semen:
Hepatitis E is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route and is not commonly spread through semen. Sexual transmission of hepatitis E is rare compared to other types of viral hepatitis, and the primary mode of transmission is ingestion of contaminated food or water.
C. Fecal-oral:
The fecal-oral route is the primary mode of transmission for hepatitis E. This means that the virus is spread through ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal matter containing the virus. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices are common risk factors for hepatitis E transmission.
D. Blood:
Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis E is not primarily transmitted through blood exposure. While transmission through blood transfusions or organ transplants has been reported in some cases, the main mode of transmission for hepatitis E is ingestion of contaminated food or water.
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