Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a 10-month-old infant who has HIV. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
A. Monitor the infant's lymphocyte count.
Monitoring the infant's lymphocyte count is important in evaluating the immune function of the infant. HIV primarily affects the immune system, including lymphocytes. Monitoring the lymphocyte count helps assess the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
B. Educate the infant's guardians about exchange transfusions.
Exchange transfusions are not typically used in the management of HIV. They are primarily performed in conditions like severe neonatal jaundice or blood disorders, but not for the treatment of HIV.
C. Administer granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a medication used to stimulate the production of white blood cells called granulocytes. While G-CSF can be used in certain situations, such as to counteract the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, it is not a standard treatment for HIV in infants.
D. Initiate droplet precautions.
Droplet precautions are typically implemented for infectious diseases that spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HIV does not spread through respiratory droplets, so initiating droplet precautions would not be necessary in the care of an infant with HIV.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Proctored Exam 1. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Monitoring the infant's lymphocyte count is important in evaluating the immune function of the infant. HIV primarily affects the immune system, including lymphocytes. Monitoring the lymphocyte count helps assess the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
Exchange transfusions are not typically used in the management of HIV. They are primarily performed in conditions like severe neonatal jaundice or blood disorders, but not for the treatment of HIV.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a medication used to stimulate the production of white blood cells called granulocytes. While G-CSF can be used in certain situations, such as to counteract the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, it is not a standard treatment for HIV in infants.
Droplet precautions are typically implemented for infectious diseases that spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HIV does not spread through respiratory droplets, so initiating droplet precautions would not be necessary in the care of an infant with HIV.
Similar Questions
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about advanced directives. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A. "You will need an attorney to appoint a health care surrogate."
"Your health care surrogate will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable": This statement is correct. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is an individual designated by the client to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It is important for the client to choose someone they trust and who understands their values and wishes.
B. "Your health care surrogate will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable."
"You will need an attorney to appoint a health care surrogate": This statement is not necessarily true. While involving an attorney can be helpful, it is not always required to appoint a health care surrogate. In many jurisdictions, a legally valid health care surrogate designation can be made through a simple document or form provided by the hospital or a local government office. It is important to check the specific legal requirements in the client's jurisdiction.
C. "You should appoint a family member as your health care surrogate."
"You should appoint a family member as your health care surrogate": This statement is a subjective recommendation and may not be applicable to all individuals. The decision of whom to appoint as a health care surrogate should be based on the client's personal preferences and the individual's ability to make informed decisions according to the client's wishes. While a family member is often chosen, it is not a requirement, and the client may choose a close friend, partner, or anyone else they trust to fulfill this role.
D. "Once you have completed a living will, it cannot be changed."
"Once you have completed a living will, it cannot be changed": This statement is incorrect. A living will, which is a type of advanced directive, can be changed or revoked at any time by the client as long as they are competent to do so. It is important for the client to review and update their living will periodically to ensure that it reflects their current wishes regarding medical care and treatment.
Full Explanation
- "Your health care surrogate will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable": This statement is correct. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is an individual designated by the client to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It is important for the client to choose someone they trust and who understands their values and wishes.
- "You will need an attorney to appoint a health care surrogate": This statement is not necessarily true. While involving an attorney can be helpful, it is not always required to appoint a health care surrogate. In many jurisdictions, a legally valid health care surrogate designation can be made through a simple document or form provided by the hospital or a local government office. It is important to check the specific legal requirements in the client's jurisdiction.
- "You should appoint a family member as your health care surrogate": This statement is a subjective recommendation and may not be applicable to all individuals. The decision of whom to appoint as a health care surrogate should be based on the client's personal preferences and the individual's ability to make informed decisions according to the client's wishes. While a family member is often chosen, it is not a requirement, and the client may choose a close friend, partner, or anyone else they trust to fulfill this role.
- "Once you have completed a living will, it cannot be changed": This statement is incorrect. A living will, which is a type of advanced directive, can be changed or revoked at any time by the client as long as they are competent to do so. It is important for the client to review and update their living will periodically to ensure that it reflects their current wishes regarding medical care and treatment.
A charge nurse is discussing confidentiality requirements with a newly licensed nurse when sharing a client's medical information.
Which of the following individuals should the charge nurse identify as appropriate with whom to share client information?
A. A social worker who is a. assigned to an involuntarily committed school-age client
Social worker on the care team: In this scenario, the social worker is likely involved in the client's care plan and needs the medical information to provide appropriate support services. Involuntary commitment: In cases of involuntary commitment, there might be a court order allowing for information sharing to ensure the client's well-being.
B. A client's employer who is concerned about safety due to substance use
Sharing client information with a client's employer is generally not appropriate without the client's explicit consent. Confidentiality must be maintained, and any concerns about safety due to substance use should be discussed with the client and appropriate healthcare professionals.
C. A nurse from another unit after a client commits suicide
Sharing information with a nurse from another unit after a client commits suicide is generally not appropriate unless: there is a specific reason for sharing, such as identifying potential risks to other clients, the minimum amount of information necessary is shared and the sharing complies with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
D. A client's partner after the client reports intimate partner abuse
Sharing client information with a client's partner after the client reports intimate partner abuse could potentially compromise the client's safety. It is crucial to follow specific protocols and laws related to reporting abuse while ensuring the client's confidentiality and well-being.
Full Explanation
Correct answer: A
Option A is correct. In this scenario, the social worker is likely involved in the client's care plan and needs the medical information to provide appropriate support services. Involuntary commitment: In cases of involuntary commitment, there might be a court order allowing for information sharing to ensure the client's well-being..
Option B is incorrect because sharing client information with a client's employer is generally not appropriate without the client's explicit consent. Confidentiality must be maintained, and any concerns about safety due to substance use should be discussed with the client and appropriate healthcare professionals.
Option C is incorrect. Sharing information with a nurse from another unit after a client commits suicide is generally not appropriate unless: there is a specific reason for sharing, such as identifying potential risks to other clients, the minimum amount of information necessary is shared and the sharing complies with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations.
Option D is incorrect because sharing client information with a client's partner after the client reports intimate partner abuse could potentially compromise the client's safety. It is crucial to follow specific protocols and laws related to reporting abuse while ensuring the client's confidentiality and well-being.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is postoperative following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I should eat a high-fat diet for several weeks."
"I should eat a high-fat diet for several weeks": After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is important for the client to follow a low-fat diet initially to allow the body time to adjust to the absence of the gallbladder. High-fat foods can be more difficult to digest and may cause digestive discomfort. Gradually introducing small amounts of fat back into the diet is recommended, but a high-fat diet is not appropriate.
B. "I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes."
"I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes": While changes in bowel movements can occur after a cholecystectomy, such as looser stools or changes in frequency, persistent diarrhea is not expected or normal. If the client experiences persistent diarrhea, they should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
C. "I should expect to have nausea for several days."
"I should expect to have nausea for several days": While some clients may experience mild nausea or discomfort after the surgery, it should generally improve within a few days. If the client experiences persistent or severe nausea, they should contact their healthcare provider.
D. "I should leave my steri-strips on until they fall off."
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, steri-strips or adhesive strips are commonly placed over the small incisions. The client should keep the steri-strips in place until they fall off on their own or until they are removed by the healthcare provider during a follow-up visit. Removing the steri-strips prematurely can increase the risk of infection or disrupt the healing process.
Full Explanation
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, steri-strips or adhesive strips are commonly placed over the small incisions. The client should keep the steri-strips in place until they fall off on their own or until they are removed by the healthcare provider during a follow-up visit. Removing the steri-strips prematurely can increase the risk of infection or disrupt the healing process.
"I should eat a high-fat diet for several weeks": After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is important for the client to follow a low-fat diet initially to allow the body time to adjust to the absence of the gallbladder. High-fat foods can be more difficult to digest and may cause digestive discomfort. Gradually introducing small amounts of fat back into the diet is recommended, but a high-fat diet is not appropriate.
"I should expect to have diarrhea until my diet changes": While changes in bowel movements can occur after a cholecystectomy, such as looser stools or changes in frequency, persistent diarrhea is not expected or normal. If the client experiences persistent diarrhea, they should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
"I should expect to have nausea for several days": While some clients may experience mild nausea or discomfort after the surgery, it should generally improve within a few days. If the client experiences persistent or severe nausea, they should contact their healthcare provider.
