A nurse is caring for a client who has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Which laboratory value should the nurse alert the provider of?
Positive Western blot test
CD4-T-cell count 180 cells/mm³ (Range: 500 to 1500 cells/mm³)
Platelets 150,000/mm³ (Range: 150,000-400,000 cells/mm³)
WBC 5,000/mm³ (Range: 5,000-10,000 cells/mm³)
The Correct Answer is B
A. A positive Western blot test indicates an HIV diagnosis, which is expected in a client with HIV and does not require urgent intervention.
B. A CD4-T-cell count of 180 cells/mm³ is significantly low (normal range: 500 to 1500 cells/mm³) and indicates severe immunosuppression, putting the client at increased risk for opportunistic infections, warranting immediate attention from the provider.
C. A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is at the lower end of the normal range and does not typically require immediate intervention unless there are clinical symptoms associated.
D. A WBC count of 5,000/mm³ is within the normal range and does not indicate a need for urgent intervention.
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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Hanging a bag of 0.9% normal saline with 5% dextrose (D5%NS) is incorrect; only normal saline (0.9% NS) should be used to prime the blood transfusion line to avoid hemolysis.
B. Verifying the client's name and blood type with a second nurse is a critical safety measure to prevent transfusion reactions and ensure the correct blood product is given.
C. Infusing the unit of blood within 4 hours is essential to reduce the risk of bacterial growth in the blood product.
D. Obtaining baseline vital signs prior to starting the transfusion is important to assess the client's condition and monitor for any changes during the transfusion.
E. Continuously monitoring the client during the first 15 minutes of the transfusion is vital for detecting any signs of a transfusion reaction promptly.
F. Inserting an 18-gauge intravenous catheter is recommended for blood transfusions as it provides a sufficient lumen to accommodate the blood flow.
G. Inserting a 22-gauge intravenous catheter is acceptable for some transfusions, but an 18-gauge is preferred for larger blood products.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A quantitative RNA assay is used to measure the amount of HIV RNA in the blood and is not used for confirmatory diagnosis after a positive ELISA.
B. The Western blot analysis is the standard confirmatory test for HIV following a positive ELISA result, as it specifically detects the presence of antibodies to HIV proteins.
C. A viral load test assesses the level of virus in the blood but does not confirm the diagnosis of HIV.
D. The CD4+ T-cell count is used to assess immune function in individuals with HIV but is not a confirmatory test for the diagnosis of the virus.