The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who is receiving a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). The patient reports experiencing malaise, fatigue, and anorexia.
The PN observes the patient’s respirations are 30 breaths/minute.
Which laboratory result is most important for the PN to review?
Liver function tests.
Arterial blood gases.
Complete blood count.
Basic metabolic panel.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The patient is receiving a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) for HIV
treatment and reports experiencing malaise, fatigue, and anorexia. These symptoms, along
with the observed increased respiratory rate, could be indicative of liver toxicity, a known
potential side effect of NRTIs. Therefore, reviewing liver function tests would be most
important in this case.
Choice B rationale
While arterial blood gases can provide valuable information about a patient’s respiratory
status, they may not be the most relevant in this context. The patient’s symptoms and the side
effect profile of NRTIs suggest that liver function may be a more pressing concern.
Choice C rationale
A complete blood count (CBC) can provide a broad overview of a patient’s general health, but it
may not provide the specific information needed to assess the patient’s current symptoms and
potential medication side effects.
Choice D rationale
A basic metabolic panel can provide information about a patient’s kidney function, electrolyte
levels, and blood sugar levels, among other things. However, given the patient’s symptoms and
medication regimen, liver function tests may be more relevant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a child undergoing a blood transfusion complains of itchy skin and appears flushed, these
could be signs of a transfusion reaction. The PN should stop the transfusion immediately.
Choice B rationale
While inspecting the infusion site is a part of regular monitoring during a transfusion, it would
not typically be the first action in response to symptoms of a possible transfusion reaction.
Choice C rationale
Applying lotion to the skin would not address the underlying issue if the child is experiencing a
transfusion reaction.
Choice D rationale
Checking the vital signs is important, but the first action should be to stop the transfusion if a
reaction is suspected.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Keratolytics are medications designed to dissolve skin flakes and scales. In the treatment of psoriasis, a condition characterized by thick, scaly patches of skin, the desired effect of a keratolytic would be to soften and reduce these scales.
Choice A rationale
While no purulent drainage present from lesions on the legs could be a positive sign in the treatment of psoriasis, it is not a direct result of the keratolytic properties of the applied preparation.
Choice B rationale
Affected areas being free of localized redness and swelling could be a positive sign in the treatment of psoriasis, but it is not a direct result of the keratolytic properties of the applied preparation.
Choice D rationale
Full range of motion without pain of lower extremity joints is not a direct result of the keratolytic properties of the applied preparation. It could be a positive sign in the overall treatment of psoriasis, but it is not directly related to the use of a keratolytic.
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