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 D
Explanation
A) "If I develop a fever, I will tell my doctor at the next scheduled office appointment."
. Clients with HIV should not wait for their next scheduled appointment to report any signs of infection or complications. Fever, as well as other symptoms such as cough, fatigue, or skin rashes, may indicate a potential infection or opportunistic infection that requires immediate medical attention. Early intervention can prevent complications. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of reporting any symptoms of illness immediately to the healthcare provider.
B) "I will avoid hugging my family, so that I don't give them the virus."
. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing meals. HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and through needle sharing or sexual contact. It is important for patients with HIV to understand that they can continue to engage in normal daily activities and maintain close relationships with family members and friends without the fear of spreading HIV through non-bodily fluid contact.
C) "I can still have my favorite sushi occasionally as long as I wear a mask to the restaurant."
. The need to wear a mask to prevent HIV transmission is a misconception. HIV is not transmitted through food, air, or casual social interactions. The concern regarding eating sushi comes from the risk of foodborne illness, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV. Raw or undercooked food (like sushi) can expose individuals to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, which are more harmful to immunocompromised clients. Safe food handling practices and avoiding raw or undercooked foods are more important than wearing a mask.
D) "I will need to take the medications even when the virus is well-controlled."
. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for people living with HIV, even when the virus is well-controlled and their viral load is undetectable. Stopping or interrupting ART can lead to drug resistance and a return of the virus. Consistent medication use is the key to preventing the progression of HIV, reducing viral transmission, and maintaining long-term health. The patient should be educated about the importance of taking ART as prescribed for life, even when feeling well, to keep the virus suppressed and prevent complications
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Leave the room to pull the fire alarm: While pulling the fire alarm is an important step in alerting others to the fire, it is not the nurse's priority action when a fire is discovered in the client's bathroom. The immediate concern is the safety of the client. The nurse should prioritize getting the client out of harm’s way before any other actions.
B) Remove the client from their room and relocate to a safe space: This is the most appropriate first action. The nurse’s first responsibility is to ensure the client's safety. Removing the client from the immediate danger zone, which is the room with the fire, is the priority. This action helps prevent injury or death from smoke inhalation or burns. Once the client is safe, the nurse can then proceed to alert others and address the fire as needed.
C) Douse the client with a fire extinguisher, using a back-and-forth motion: This action is inappropriate because the client should never be doused with a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher is intended for controlling the fire, not for use on individuals. Additionally, extinguishing a fire should not take priority over ensuring the client's immediate safety by removing them from the room.
D) Close all the doors to the client's room: Closing doors can help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading, but it is not the first priority. The immediate action should focus on removing the client from the room to a safe space. After ensuring the client's safety, the nurse can then close the doors to help contain the fire while awaiting assistance.Top of FormBottom of Form
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