Chapter 15: Infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Chapter 15: Infection and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A patient who has vague symptoms of fatigue and headaches is found to have a positive
enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies. In
discussing the test results with the patient, the nurse informs the patient that
a. the EIA test will need to be repeated to verify the results.
b. a viral culture will be done to determine the progress of the disease.
c. it will probably be 10 or more years before the patient develops acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
d. the Western blot test will be done to determine whether AIDS has developed.
ANS: A
After an initial positive EIA test, the EIA is repeated before more specific testing such as
the Western blot is done. Viral cultures are not part of HIV testing. Because the nurse
does not know how recently the patient was infected, it is not appropriate to predict the
time frame for AIDS development. The Western blot tests for HIV antibodies, not for
AIDS.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 246
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
2. A patient is admitted to the hospital with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and
HIV testing is positive. Based on diagnostic criteria established by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the patient is diagnosed as having
a. acute infection.
b. early chronic infection.
c. intermediate chronic infection.
d. late chronic infection or AIDS.
ANS: D
Development of PCP pneumonia meets the diagnostic criterion for AIDS. The other
responses indicate an earlier stage of HIV infection than is indicated by the PCP
infection.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: 245
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
3. After having a positive rapid-antibody test for HIV, a patient is anxious and does not
appear to hear what the nurse is saying. At this time, it is most important that the nurse
a. teach the patient about the medications available for treatment.
b. inform the patient how to protect sexual and needle-sharing partners.
c. remind the patient about the need to return for retesting to verify the results.
Test Bank 15-2
d. ask the patient to notify individuals who have had risky contact with the patient.
ANS: C
After an initial positive antibody test, the next step is retesting to confirm the results. A
patient who is anxious is not likely to be able to take in new information or be willing to
disclose information about HIV status of other individuals.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 246
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
4. A patient who is diagnosed with AIDS tells the nurse, “I have lots of thoughts about
dying. Do you think I am just being morbid?” Which response by the nurse is best?
a. “Thinking about dying will not improve the course of AIDS.”
b. “It is important to focus on the good things about your life now.”
c. “Do you think that taking an antidepressant might be helpful to you?”
d. “Can you tell me more about the kind of thoughts that you are having?”
ANS: D
More assessment of the patient’s psychosocial status is needed before taking any other
action. The statements, “Thinking about dying will not improve the course of AIDS” and
“It is important to focus on the good things in life” discourage the patient from sharing
any further information with the nurse and decrease the nurse’s ability to develop a
trusting relationship with the patient. Although antidepressants may be helpful, the initial
action should be further assessment of the patient’s feelings.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: 249-251
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity