A nurse is caring for a client with HIV. Which laboratory test would be used to assess the effectiveness of therapy?
Viral load count
Western blot
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test
Platelet count
The Correct Answer is A
A. Viral load count is the primary test used to assess the effectiveness of HIV therapy by measuring the amount of HIV RNA in the blood, indicating how well the treatment is controlling the virus.
B. The Western blot is used as a confirmatory test for HIV diagnosis rather than monitoring therapy effectiveness.
C. The Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test is used for initial HIV screening but does not measure viral load or therapy effectiveness.
D. Platelet count can be affected in HIV infection, especially with advanced disease, but it does not directly measure the effectiveness of HIV therapy.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While deep breathing can help alleviate pain, it is not the primary cause of pain in sickle cell anemia; this response could minimize the client's experience.
B. Sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become rigid and shaped like a sickle, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to vaso-occlusive crises, resulting in pain.
C. Although sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder, simply stating that the mutated gene causes increased pain is too vague and does not explain the pain mechanism adequately.
D. While anemia can contribute to fatigue and some discomfort, the pain in sickle cell anemia is primarily due to the sickling of red blood cells and subsequent blockage of blood flow, rather than just the lack of hemoglobin.