A nurse is presenting a community-based program about HIV and AIDS. A client asks the nurse to describe the initial symptoms experienced with HIV infection. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the explanation of initial symptoms?
Flu-like symptoms and night sweats
Fungal and bacterial infections
Pneumocystis lung infection
Kaposi’s sarcoma
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Flu-like symptoms and night sweats
The initial symptoms of HIV infection often resemble those of the flu. These symptoms, known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) or primary HIV infection, typically occur within 2 to 4 weeks after the virus enters the body. Common symptoms include fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. These symptoms are the body’s natural response to the virus and indicate that the immune system is reacting to the infection. Night sweats, in particular, are a common symptom during the early stages of HIV infection.
Choice B: Fungal and bacterial infections
Fungal and bacterial infections are more commonly associated with later stages of HIV infection, particularly when the immune system has been significantly weakened. As HIV progresses and the immune system deteriorates, individuals become more susceptible to opportunistic infections, which are infections that occur more frequently and are more severe in people with weakened immune systems. These infections are not typically seen in the initial stages of HIV infection.
Choice C: Pneumocystis lung infection
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious infection that occurs in people with weakened immune systems, including those with advanced HIV/AIDS. It is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. PCP is not an initial symptom of HIV infection but rather a complication that can arise when the immune system is severely compromised. This infection is more indicative of the later stages of HIV, particularly when the CD4 cell count drops significantly.
Choice D: Kaposi’s sarcoma
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. It is caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and is commonly associated with advanced HIV infection or AIDS. Kaposi’s sarcoma presents as purple, red, or brown blotches or tumors on the skin and can also affect internal organs. This condition is not an initial symptom of HIV infection but rather a manifestation of severe immune system damage in the later stages of the disease.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Advising that the largest meal of the day should be in the evening is not typically recommended for clients with a colostomy. It is generally better to have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to aid digestion and reduce the risk of discomfort.
Choice B reason:
Eating yogurt can indeed help decrease the amount of gas. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can aid in digestion and reduce gas production. This is a beneficial dietary choice for clients with a colostomy.
Choice C reason:
Carbonated beverages are not recommended for controlling odor. In fact, they can increase gas production and lead to bloating, which can be uncomfortable for clients with a colostomy.
Choice D reason:
There is no need to eliminate pasta from the diet to prevent loose stools. Instead, clients should focus on a balanced diet that includes low-fiber foods initially and gradually reintroduce other foods while monitoring their effects.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Tell the client to expect dark stools following chemotherapy
Dark stools are not a common side effect of chemotherapy. This symptom is more often associated with gastrointestinal bleeding or the use of certain medications, such as iron supplements or bismuth-containing compounds. Chemotherapy can cause a range of side effects, but dark stools are not typically one of them. Therefore, it is not necessary to inform the client to expect this symptom.
Choice B: Have the client swish with commercial mouthwash before therapy
While maintaining oral hygiene is important during chemotherapy, using a commercial mouthwash before therapy is not specifically recommended. Some commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol or other irritants that can exacerbate oral mucositis, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Instead, clients are often advised to use a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash or a saline rinse to maintain oral hygiene and prevent infections.
Choice C: Administer an antiemetic prior to the procedure
Administering an antiemetic prior to chemotherapy is a standard practice to prevent nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of many chemotherapeutic agents. Antiemetics help to improve the client’s comfort and adherence to the treatment regimen by reducing these distressing symptoms. This proactive approach is crucial in managing the side effects of chemotherapy and ensuring that the client can tolerate the treatment.
Choice D: Have the client floss 4 times daily
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene, but flossing 4 times daily is excessive and can cause irritation or damage to the gums, especially in clients undergoing chemotherapy who may have a higher risk of oral mucositis and bleeding. It is generally recommended to floss once daily and to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to maintain oral health without causing additional trauma.