An HIV-positive patient is hospitalized for evaluation of symptoms of progressive weakness, dyspnea, weight loss, and low-grade fever. A biopsy of lung tissue reveals Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. This diagnosis means that the patient
cannot be treated.
has AIDS.
has less than 2 years to live.
was an intravenous drug user.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: The option that the patient "cannot be treated" is incorrect because Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-positive patients can be treated with medications such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). There are also preventive measures and treatments available for individuals with HIV/AIDS to manage PCP and improve their health outcomes. Thus, this option is not accurate for the scenario described.
Choice B reason: The diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in an HIV-positive patient strongly indicates that the patient has progressed to AIDS. AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is diagnosed when an individual with HIV develops certain opportunistic infections or their CD4 cell count drops below a critical level. PCP is one of the most common opportunistic infections seen in AIDS patients, signifying severe immune system compromise due to the advanced stage of HIV infection. This makes option B the correct answer.
Choice C reason: The option stating that the patient "has less than 2 years to live" is incorrect because it is not a definitive prognosis for patients with PCP or AIDS. With appropriate medical treatment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive individuals, even those diagnosed with AIDS, can live longer and healthier lives. Advances in medical care have significantly improved the life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this option is not accurate for this scenario.
Choice D reason: The option that the patient "was an intravenous drug user" is incorrect because PCP can affect any HIV-positive individual, regardless of their drug use history. While intravenous drug use is a known risk factor for HIV transmission, it is not directly related to the development of PCP. PCP is caused by a weakened immune system due to HIV progression, not the method of HIV transmission. Thus, this option does not appropriately address the diagnosis of PCP.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Stenosis is characterized by the constriction and narrowing of the valve opening, which causes the valve leaflets to fail to open completely. This condition restricts blood flow through the valve, leading to increased pressure in the heart and reduced blood flow to the body or lungs, depending on which valve is affected.
Choice B reason:
Regurgitation refers to the condition where the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward. This is different from stenosis, where the valve opening is narrowed and does not allow sufficient blood flow forward.
Choice C reason:
Insufficiency is another term for regurgitation and involves the backward flow of blood due to improper closure of the valve. It does not describe the condition where the valve opening is narrowed and restricts forward blood flow.
Choice D reason:
Incompetence also refers to the inability of the valve to close properly, leading to regurgitation. It is not used to describe the narrowing of the valve opening, which is the defining characteristic of stenosis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C reason: Abdominal distention and hypogastric pain are classic signs and symptoms of large bowel obstruction. The obstruction prevents the normal passage of intestinal contents, leading to a buildup of gas and fluid, which causes distention and pain.
Choice A reason: Epigastric pain and rectal bleeding are not typical signs of large bowel obstruction. These symptoms are more commonly associated with other gastrointestinal conditions, such as peptic ulcers or colorectal cancer.
Choice B reason: Fluid overload and passing gas are not characteristic of large bowel obstruction. In fact, the inability to pass gas is a common symptom of bowel obstruction.
Choice D reason: Diarrhea and excessive thirst are not typical signs of large bowel obstruction. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the small intestine or infections, while excessive thirst is a symptom of dehydration or diabetes.
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