The nurse is monitoring the effectiveness or antiretroviral therapy (ART) for a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). What laboratory study results indicates the medications are effective?
Increased viral load
Decreased neutrophil count
Decreased white blood cell count
Increased CD4-T-cell count
The Correct Answer is D
A) "Increased viral load":
An increased viral load would indicate that the HIV virus is actively replicating in the body. This suggests that the antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not effective, as it has failed to suppress the viral replication. The goal of ART is to lower the viral load to undetectable levels, indicating that the virus is well controlled.
B) "Decreased neutrophil count":
. A decreased neutrophil count (neutropenia) is not directly related to the effectiveness of ART in managing HIV. Neutropenia can occur due to various causes, such as certain medications (including some ART medications), infections, or other underlying conditions. While neutropenia could be a side effect of ART, it does not directly reflect the effectiveness of HIV treatment. Monitoring CD4-T-cell counts and viral load is a better indicator of ART effectiveness.
C) "Decreased white blood cell count":
. A decreased white blood cell count (leukopenia) is also not an indicator of ART effectiveness. While some ART medications may lead to a decrease in white blood cell count, especially in the early stages of treatment, a decrease in the white blood cell count is not a measure of how well the therapy is controlling HIV. The effectiveness of ART is primarily assessed by the viral load and CD4-T-cell count.
D) "Increased CD4-T-cell count":
. CD4-T-cell count is a critical marker for monitoring the immune system's function in patients with HIV. CD4-T-cells are a type of T lymphocyte (white blood cell) that are targeted and destroyed by the HIV virus. A higher CD4-T-cell count indicates that the immune system is recovering and functioning better, which is a sign that the ART is effective in controlling the virus. Ideally, ART should result in a higher CD4-T-cell count and lower viral load, showing that the treatment is effectively suppressing the virus and preserving the immune system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["250"]
Explanation
Given:
Total volume to infuse: 250 mL
Infusion time: 60 minutes
To find:
Infusion rate (mL/hr)
Step 1: Calculate the infusion rate in mL/min
Infusion rate (mL/min) = Total volume / Infusion time
Infusion rate (mL/min) = 250 mL / 60 minutes = 4.17 mL/min
Step 2: Convert mL/min to mL/hr
Infusion rate (mL/hr) = Infusion rate (mL/min) x 60 minutes/hr
Infusion rate (mL/hr) = 4.17 mL/min x 60 minutes/hr = 250 mL/hr
Therefore, the nurse should set the pump to deliver 250 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increased CO2 level (above 45 mmHg) due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange, leading to a decrease in pH (below 7.35). In this case, the CO2 level is 25 mmHg, which is lower than normal and suggests a loss of CO2, not an accumulation. Therefore, respiratory acidosis is not the correct interpretation of these ABG results.
B. Metabolic acidosis:
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the pH drops below 7.35 due to conditions like kidney failure, diarrhea, or diabetic ketoacidosis. This would typically be accompanied by a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level (less than 22 mEq/L). However, in this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkalotic), and the HCO3- level is 24 mEq/L, which is within the normal range. Thus, metabolic acidosis is not the correct interpretation.
C. Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a decrease in CO2 (less than 35 mmHg) due to hyperventilation, which causes an increase in pH (above 7.45). In this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkalotic), and the CO2 is 25 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35–45 mmHg). The bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is 24 mEq/L, which is normal and compensatory. This matches the pattern of respiratory alkalosis, where the body compensates with a normal bicarbonate level as CO2 decreases.
D. Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the pH rises above 7.45, often due to excessive vomiting, diuretic use, or antacid overuse, leading to an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. While the pH is 7.52, indicating alkalosis, the bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is 24 mEq/L, which is within the normal range for bicarbonate. In metabolic alkalosis, you would typically see an elevated HCO3- level, which is not the case here. Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct interpretation of these ABG results.
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